Communities

Established in 1705 out of Bath County, Hyde County was chartered as Wickham Precinct before becoming Hyde Precinct seven years later. The precinct’s name was officially changed to Hyde County, after former governor Edward Hyde, in 1739 when Bath County was abolished. The community of Swan Quarter serves as the county seat. While Hyde County’s population is just shy of 6,000, the county draws many tourists. Ocracoke hosts the largest number of visitors, as tourists come to see its lighthouse and location on the Outer Banks. The county is also recognized for its four wildlife refuges, including the Alligator River, Mattamuskeet, Pocosin Lakes, and Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge. Hyde County’s largest economic sectors include agriculture, commercial fishing, and tourism. The county is home to several municipalities including Engelhard, Fairfield, Germantown, Last Chance, Nebraska, Ocracoke, Scranton, and Stumpy Point. Hyde County operates under a county manager government including a five-member board of commissioners elected across its five unincorporated townships.

Established in 1774 out of Halifax and Tyrrell counties, Martin County was named for Josiah Martin, the last royal governor of North Carolina. Despite Martin’s tumultuous relationship with the royal colony, the county kept its name in honor of prominent Federalist Alexander Martin. Williamston serves as the county seat. The Roanoke River acted as an important trade route through Martin County, allowing the county’s industries in tar, pitch, turpentine, forest, and meat products to grow the county in its early development. Today, 51 percent of Martin County’s total acreage is classified as farmland. The county has seen an influx of naturalists for hunting and fishing recreation, while the region remains an opportune spot for industrial, small business, and agribusiness growth. Other communities located in Martin County include Bear Grass, Darden, Everetts, Gold Point, Hamilton, Hassell, Jamesville, Oak City, Parmele, and Robersonville. Martin County operates under a county manager government that includes a five-member board of commissioners elected across eastern and western districts.

Pitt County got its name from William Pitt, Earl of Chatham. William Pitt was an English statesman and orator, born in London, England, UK. He studied at Oxford University and in 1731, Pitt joined the army. Pitt led the young “Patriot” Whigs and in 1756 became secretary of state, where he was a pro-freedom speaker in British Colonial government. Pitt County was founded in 1760 under British Colonial government. Prior to 1760, there was one large county, Beaufort, which was split into five smaller counties, Pitt County being one of those smaller counties. Since 1970 Pitt County has operated under County Manager government. The mission of Pitt County Government is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of our community by advocating for and providing quality services in a friendly and cost-effective manner. The vision is “A Leader in the State; Best in the East”. Pitt County Government believes its purpose is public service. It encourages honesty and behavior consistent with its mission, recognizes and promotes competence, excellence, and open communication, maintains an open government that is a good steward of public resources and supports decision making that is deliberate, conscientious, and based on fact.