Curosity Starts Here

The Pamlico River has long been a source of both historical significance and environmental treasures for Eastern North Carolina. Since the earliest English settlements in the 1690s, its shores have played an important role in shaping the region's identity and economy. Along the river sits Bath, North Carolina's first incorporated town and the former home of the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Further upriver, Washington was founded in 1776 as the first town in America named in honor of General George Washington. Today, locals proudly refer to Washington as "The Original" in recognition of its historic distinction.

Beyond its historical legacy, the Pamlico River continues to serve as a vital environmental and economic resource for Beaufort County and the broader Eastern North Carolina region. As part of the expansive Pamlico Sound estuary system, one of the largest estuarine environments in the world. The river provides critical habitat for a wide variety of coastal marine life, including fish, shrimp, blue crabs, and oysters. The Pamlico River remains not only a defining natural landmark, but also an enduring foundation of the area's culture, economy, and way of life.

Aurora Fossil Museum

400 Main St

Watch out for that Megalodon! Prehistoric shark teeth, shells, coral, and other fossils are yours for the finding at the fossil pits outside of the Aurora Fossil Museum. Bring your own sand sifter and walk away with a discovery. Inside the museum learn about the unique natural…

Historic Bath Site

207 Carteret St.

European settlement near the Pamlico River in the 1690s led to the creation of Bath, North Carolina's first town, in 1705. The town's location seemed ideal, with easy access to the river and the Atlantic Ocean 50 miles away at Ocracoke Inlet. A library sent to St. Thomas Parish…

North Carolina Estuarium

223 E. Water St. Washington

Visit the world´s first Estuarium, one of North Carolina´s most innovative environmental centers. See more than 200 exhibits that describe our vital estuaries and coastal rivers, including: Aquariums with crabs and other estuarine life Fun and fascinating artworks Hands-on…

P.S. Jones African-American Education Museum

847 N. Pierce St

Step inside the P. S. Jones Museum of African American Education to explore the powerful story of African American education in Beaufort County and across North Carolina. This state-of-the-art museum traces more than a century of history, from the time segregation was made law…

P.S. Jones African-American Education Museum

Underground Railroad Museum

Main & Gladden St

The Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum is a National Park Service Underground Railroad-Network To Freedom Facility completely dedicated to telling the story of freedom seeking from the Greater Washington NC region. Using research through documents, narratives of…

Washington's Museum of the Pamlico

108 Gladden St

The Washington Museum of the Pamlico celebrates the rich history, culture, and heritage of Washington, North Carolina, and the surrounding Pamlico region. Through engaging exhibits, historical artifacts, and educational programs, the museum preserves local stories while inspiring…

Take An Audio Tour:

Hosted by passionate local historians, each tour brings the past to life through carefully researched historical documents, firsthand accounts, and rich oral histories passed down through generations. More than simple sightseeing experiences, these tours offer an immersive journey through the people, events, and defining moments that shaped our community and connected it to the broader story of Washington's founding and growth.

Featured experiences include the Washington Haunts Tour, which explores the legends and mysteries of the city's historic waterfront and neighborhoods; the Historic Port of Washington Tour, which highlights the city's role as a thriving river port and commercial center; and the African American History Tour, which honors the stories, achievements, and lasting contributions of African American residents throughout the region's history. Click here