Washington Was Once Known
As "Forks Of The Tar River"

Washington was originally founded on 337 acres granted to Christopher Dudley in 1726. In 1771, James Bonner, then owner of the land, founded a town called "Forks of the Tar River," which by 1776 was known as Washington.

Washington fell to Federal troops early during the War Between the States. The city was devastated. On April 30, 1864, Federal troops started fires and pillaged the community before their departure. It was there that the Yankee Steamer "Louisiana" was sunk by Confederate guns.

Washington has 4 distinct seasons with generally mild winters and hot summers. The coastal plain is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, which keeps temperatures mild in the winter and moderate in the summer. In the winter, the coast has the mildest temperatures in the state, with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees.

A variety of interesting attractions are close by, including museums, aquariums and historical sites. North Carolina's oldest town, Bath, was the first meeting place of the Colonial Assembly of the Province. Also be on the lookout for Blackbeard's ghost, an infamous pirate who once traveled in the Bath area.

North Carolina's first capitol, Tryon Palace, was the residence of the Colonial governor and a meeting place of the Colonial Assembly. The complex has restorations of Georgian buildings and gardens on the palace grounds designed in the same manner as 18th-century English gardens.

The 1744 Palmer Marsh House, with its 17-foot wide chimney, and St. Thomas, the state's oldest church, are among many other fine examples of colonial architecture.

The Beaufort County School District is served by 7 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools and an alternative school. The district has a broad, rich and comprehensive curriculum, including basic academic courses for career education and college preparation. Teachers and administrators analyze tests to determine progress made and to strengthen the instructional program. Private schools can be found in Pungo Christian Academy or Terra Ceia Christian School.

Beaufort County Community College, one of the 59 community colleges in the North Carolina Community College System, offers a wide variety of planned educational programs.

Washington and Beaufort County citizens have access to the finest in medical facilities and health care specialists. The 142-bed Beaufort County Hospital in Washington is staffed and equipped to provide excellent medical care to area residents, and to reach out to improve the overall health of the community. With an active medical staff of approximately 50 physicians representing more than 15 specialties, Beaufort County Hospital and its 560 nurses, technicians and staff emphasize individual patient care.

Beaufort County has been called "The Waterfront Capital of North Carolina." Washington also has unsurpassed water sports, recreational facilities, boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing and sailing. The Washington Yacht and County Club has a yacht basin, an 18-hole golf course and a swimming pool. Washington has free boat launching facilities, tennis courts, a recreation center, several ballparks and more.

Beaufort County's Goose Creek State Park is located east of Washington, on the banks of the Pamlico River and offers an eco-tourism view of the area. Other nearby parks and recreational areas include Chugach National Forest, Quail Creek State Park, Santa Rosa Lake State Park, John Mountain National Recreation Trail, Ed Jenkins National Recreation Area, Deer Mountain National Recreation Trail, Barkcamp State Park, Buckeye Lake State Park, Deer Creek State Park, Beaver Creek State Park, Caesar Creek State Park, Lake Milton State Park and many more.

Parks and recreation facilities operated by the Washington Parks and Recreation Department include a new youth sports complex with baseball, softball and soccer fields; an aquatic and fitness center, gymnasium, outdoor basketball courts, waterfront parks, playgrounds, boat launching facilities and more!

The cultural, recreational and quality of living aspects of our region are a plus to our growing economic and industrial base, making the Washington-Beaufort County area a truly great place to live, work and raise a family.