Historical Marker

First Motorized School Bus

Historical marker location:
507 Church Street, Oriental, North Carolina
( Marker is on Church Street east of Broad Street (State Highway 55), on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1970

education
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, North Carolina became a leading producer of furniture, textiles, and tobacco products. The state's nickname, the "Tar Heel State," comes from the fact that the state was a major producer of tar, pitch, and turpentine from its vast pine forests.
North Carolina random facts
Pamlico County, located in eastern North Carolina, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, such as the Pamlico and Neusiok, who relied on fishing, hunting, and agriculture for their sustenance. European explorers, including Captain John Smith and the English Roanoke Colony, briefly visited the area in the 16th century.

In the 18th century, Pamlico County saw an influx of English settlers and became a hub for maritime trade due to its location along the Pamlico River. The county was officially established in 1872 and named after the Pamlico Sound, which separates it from the Outer Banks. It quickly became a thriving center for agriculture, lumbering, and fishing, with communities like Oriental and Bayboro becoming major ports.

During the American Civil War, Pamlico County became a strategically important area with its rivers serving as a lifeline for the Confederate forces. Union forces occupied the region, leading to the burning of many homes and the interruption of trade and commerce. Reconstruction brought economic challenges, but the county slowly recovered and continued to develop its industries.

Today, Pamlico County retains its agricultural and fishing roots while embracing tourism as a major economic driver. Its natural beauty, including the Pamlico Sound and various rivers and creeks, attracts visitors who enjoy fishing, boating, and water recreation. The county also celebrates its history through historic landmarks and festivals like the annual Pamlico County Heritage Day.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Pamlico County, North Carolina.

  • Pamlico County was established in 1872 from parts of Beaufort and Craven counties.
  • The county was named after Pamlico Sound, which was named after the Pamlico Native American tribe.
  • In the late 17th century, European settlers began to establish permanent settlements in the area.
  • The town of Bath, the oldest town in North Carolina, was established in 1705 and became the first county seat.
  • In 1722, Bath was replaced as the county seat by the town of Edenton.
  • Pamlico County played a role in the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War, with local residents participating in both conflicts.
  • The town of Oriental was incorporated in 1899 and became the new county seat.
  • In the early 20th century, Pamlico County became known for its agriculture and timber industries.
  • In 1939, the construction of the Minnesott Beach - Cherry Branch Ferry made the county more accessible to visitors and tourists.
  • Pamlico County experienced significant damage from Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Florence in 2018.