PAMLICO RIVER

The 'Pamlico River' is a tidal river located in the city of Washington, North Carolina, in the United States of America.

Contents

History

Present

History

The Tuscarora Indians lived along the Pamlico River until their removal to Bertie County, NC in 1718, following large numbers of deaths from disease and the four year Tuscarora War, 1711-1715. English, Irish, and Scottish settlers moved to the region from Virginia for larger tracts of cheaper land. A cluster of German and Swiss settlers also moved to the region from the southeastern settlement of New Bern, NC. Bath was a home and operating base for the pirate Blackbeard, who was pardoned by Governor Charles Eden. Tobacco farming was popular in the Pamlico/Tar River basin, but for years the river corridor remained somewhat of a lawless backwater.
The Pamlico River was a key strategic position during the American Civil War. The river houses a sunken Union battleship, the ''Picket''. The U.S. Highway 17 Bridge, which connects Washington with nearby Chocowinity, splits the river, making it the Tar River heading westward upstream.

Present

Though the river no longer has any steamers and cargo ships floating down it, it still carries hundreds of boats per year. It is a popular fishing spot. However, the river's water quality has decreased considerably due to the periodic appearance of pfisteria, in the form of massive fish kills. Many local residents will no longer swim in the river or eat fish caught in it. Seaweed grows on previously sandy beaches. Pig farms and a phosphate mine are along the river. Tobacco farming remains popular.

★ Pamlico River NC Boating