North Carolina has played a major role in American history, from being the first colony to call for independence with the Halifax Resolves in 1776 to its significance in the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Its early settlements shaped politics, trade, and industry, leaving behind a rich historical legacy.
The state is home to key historic sites like Tryon Palace, North Carolina’s first colonial capital, Old Salem, a preserved Moravian settlement, and Historic Halifax, where the fight for independence began. Maritime history thrives at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, while the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse in Edenton remains one of the oldest still in use. North Carolina is also home to many well-preserved historic towns that reflect its colonial, maritime, and revolutionary past. These ten stand out as must-visit destinations.
1. Bath
Nestled along the Pamlico River, Bath is North Carolina’s oldest town, founded in 1705. This small but historically rich settlement was once a bustling colonial port and even home to the infamous pirate Blackbeard. With its waterfront charm and preserved 18th-century architecture, Bath offers a glimpse into the state’s early days.
History lovers can explore St. Thomas Episcopal Church, the oldest in North Carolina, dating back to 1734. The Palmer-Marsh House, an elegant colonial home from the 1700s, showcases period furnishings, while the Van Der Veer House tells the story of Bath’s early settlers. Visitors can also walk along Bonner’s Point, where ships once docked, and enjoy views of the scenic river.
2. Edenton
As the sun rises over Edenton Bay, the town awakens much like it has for centuries. Established in 1712 and once North Carolina’s first colonial capital, Edenton is where Revolutionary voices still echo through time. Here, in 1774, a group of defiant women led by Penelope Barker staged the Edenton Tea Party, one of the earliest organized political protests by women in American history.
Strolling the Edenton Historic District, you’ll find preserved Georgian and Federal-style architecture, including the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, the oldest in North Carolina still in use. The Cupola House, with its 1758 Jacobean design, tells tales of merchant wealth, while the Roanoke River Lighthouse, perched over the bay, reminds visitors of Edenton’s maritime significance.
3. New Bern
Founded in 1710, New Bern is one of North Carolina’s most historically significant towns, serving as the state’s first capital. Strategically located at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, it quickly became a center for commerce, politics, and cultural development.
One of New Bern’s most notable sites is Tryon Palace, the reconstructed 18th-century governor’s mansion that once housed North Carolina’s colonial leadership. Visitors can explore its period-furnished rooms, manicured gardens, and interactive history exhibits. Another key attraction is the Birthplace of Pepsi, where the famous soft drink was first created in 1893. The New Bern Firemen’s Museum provides insight into one of the oldest fire companies in the state.
4. Beaufort
Founded in 1709, Beaufort stands as a testament to North Carolina’s deep maritime history. This coastal town, once a hub for privateers and traders, remains one of the state’s best-preserved historic districts. Unlike other colonial settlements, Beaufort’s past is closely tied to the sea, with connections to legendary figures like Blackbeard, whose ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, was discovered just off its coast.
Visitors can explore the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which houses artifacts from shipwrecks and naval history. The Beaufort Historic Site offers guided tours of 18th and 19th-century homes, including the Leffers House and Apothecary Shop, providing insight into early coastal life. A short boat ride away, Carrot Island is home to wild horses that have roamed the shores for centuries.
5. Hillsborough
Established in 1754, Hillsborough played a crucial role in shaping North Carolina’s colonial and Revolutionary War history. As a key meeting place for political leaders, the town witnessed significant events, including the Regulator Movement, an early rebellion against British taxation. Its well-preserved downtown and historical sites make it a destination for those interested in early American history.
Visitors can tour Ayr Mount, a stately 1815 Federal-style plantation home, or walk the grounds of the Burwell School, an important 19th-century girls’ academy. The Orange County Historical Museum showcases artifacts from Hillsborough’s past, while guided tours of the Occaneechi Village provide insight into the Native American history of the region.
6. Salem (Old Salem, Winston-Salem)
Founded in 1766 by Moravian settlers, Old Salem stands as one of the most well-preserved historic districts in the United States. Unlike many historic towns, it isn’t just a collection of preserved buildings…it’s a fully immersive experience where visitors can walk through an 18th-century Moravian community brought to life by costumed interpreters.
At Old Salem Museums & Gardens, guests can tour authentic structures such as the Single Brothers’ House, where craftsmen once lived and worked, and the Miksch House, home to one of Salem’s earliest families. The Salem Tavern, a historic inn, once hosted George Washington during his Southern tour in 1791. Traditional trades like pottery, baking, and blacksmithing are still practiced, providing an interactive look into colonial life.
7. Southport
Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport has been a strategic coastal settlement since its founding in 1792. Originally established as Fort Johnston in the 1750s to defend against naval threats, the town grew into a key shipping and military hub. Today, its waterfront charm and preserved history make it a standout destination for those interested in North Carolina’s maritime heritage.
Visitors can explore Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center, which highlights the town’s role in the Civil War and early coastal defense. The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport delves into shipwrecks, piracy, and naval history, while the Old Brunswick County Jail offers a look at 19th-century law enforcement. The town’s historic district, lined with centuries-old homes and oak-shaded streets, adds to its timeless appeal.
8. Tarboro
Founded in 1760 along the Tar River, Tarboro is one of North Carolina’s oldest towns, rich in colonial and antebellum history. Unlike many historic towns, Tarboro boasts one of the last remaining original town commons in the United States, a central gathering space inspired by early New England settlements. This unique feature, combined with its well-preserved architecture, makes it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.
Visitors can explore the Blount-Bridgers House, an 1808 Federal-style home that now serves as a museum showcasing 19th-century art and history. The Calvary Episcopal Church, built in 1867, is another landmark, known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and historic cemetery. The Tarboro Historic District, with over 300 preserved buildings, provides a comprehensive look at the town’s evolution from a colonial outpost to a thriving Southern community.
9. Washington
Established in 1776, Washington, holds the distinction of being the first town in the United States named after General George Washington. Located along the Pamlico River, this historic port town played a crucial role in trade, military defense, and maritime commerce throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
Visitors can explore the Washington Historic District, home to well-preserved buildings reflecting Federal, Victorian, and Colonial Revival architecture. The North Carolina Estuarium, the first of its kind in the world, offers insight into the region’s rich ecological and maritime history. Civil War enthusiasts can visit the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum, which highlights the town’s role in aiding enslaved individuals seeking freedom.
10. Halifax
Founded in 1757 along the Roanoke River, Halifax played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. It was here, on April 12, 1776, that North Carolina’s Fourth Provincial Congress adopted the Halifax Resolves, making North Carolina the first colony to call for complete independence from Britain. This moment cemented Halifax’s place in history as a leader in the fight for American freedom.
The Historic Halifax State Historic Site offers a well-preserved glimpse into the town’s revolutionary past. Visitors can tour restored 18th-century buildings, including the Eagle Tavern, the Clerk’s Office, and several period homes. The site also features living history demonstrations, where reenactors bring colonial-era trades and politics to life.
