Albemarle Timeline
English colonization of America began here over four hundred years ago. In 1587, a group of one hundred-fifteen sailors arrived who were destined to become Sir Walter Raleigh's "lost colony" by 1590. John White, who had come to Roanoke Island in 1585, made watercolor renderings of this region, giving the British their first look at the new world.
It wasn't until 1663 that serious attempts were again made to settle this area. In that year, Charles II granted a royal charter for land in the New World to eight powerful businessmen and supporters and named them the Lords Proprietors of Carolina.
In 1664, Albemarle County was formed and by 1668, it was divided into four
precincts: Chowan, Currituck, Perquimans, and Pasquotank. This area was further divided many times over the next two hundred years into the county divisions known today. North Carolina became a royal colony in 1729.
Most settlement came largely overland due to the reputation of the perilous coastal waters. The majority of early eighteenth century settlers were English and came from neighboring Virginia.
The region's geography has dictated much of its development. While a multitude of rivers, sounds, and man-made canals facilitated inland trade and transportation in the early years, the treacherous barrier islands (known as the Outer Banks) have discouraged large-scale commercial shipping. Due to the lack of adequate inlets and ports, urban centers have not been developed and the area has retained a strong rural tradition with an economy based primarily on agriculture.
The lack of large-scale urban development has yielded advantages to the region. This area is considered a sportsman's paradise with plentiful hunting and fishing. Water sports abound and the unspoiled, scenic landscape of the area is truly one of its outstanding features. Much of historical interest has been preserved due to orderly growth of towns and a reluctance to change.
Adapted from Historic Albemarle Tour, Incorporated Escort Notes.
The Shad
Boat
