Town of Bath

The small, historic hamlet of Bath, located in Beaufort County, is North Carolina's oldest town.  Incorporated in 1705, Bath remains almost entirely within the boundaries of the original town plan designed by naturalist and explorer John Lawson.  Historical markers throughout the town denote many "firsts" - Christopher Gale, the first Chief Justice of North Carolina, the first Public Library in North Carolina, St. Thomas, the oldest standing church in North Carolina, and the first Post Road for mail delivery.  Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, spent several months in Bath before his death most likely living just outside of Bath.  Local legend has him taking a Bath girl as his fourteenth wife. 

The Historic Bath Visitor Center is located on Carteret Street (N.C. Highway 92) and offers a map noting the sites of interest in the town.  At the Visitor's Center you can watch a 15-minute orientation film Bath: The First Town at no charge, which is a good background for the town's history.  You can tour one or both of the period furnished homes with a guide or take a town walking tour on your own.  The Palmer-Marsh House (c. 1751), with its large double chimney and basement kitchen, is an excellent example of a large house from the Colonial period.  The Bonner House (c. 1830), an excellent example of North Carolina coastal architecture, can also be toured. There is a charge for adults of $1.00 and children $.50 per house for the guided homes.  The State Dock on Bath Creek offers free public docking as well as a picturesque view of the town shoreline.