Historic Bath State Historic Site

Historic Bath State Historic Site Come and visit Historic Bath State Historic Site, the First Town, First Port, to learn about, and experience, a portion of North Carolina's unique history! St.

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Historic Bath State Historic Site resides on land once inhabited by indigenous members of Algonquian-speaking language groups. By the late 1600s, European settlers had established homesteads in the Bath area, and in 1705 Bath became the first incorporated town in North Carolina. In 1716, the Port of Bath became the first official port in North

Carolina. Bath’s early years were marked by political rivalries, armed conflict, and piracy. After its tumultuous beginnings, industries such as naval store production and agriculture maintained the small town throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries. These industries were supported by laborers, artisans, and merchants, including enslaved and free men and women. When Beaufort County government moved to newly-formed Washington in 1785, Bath lost most of its importance and commerce. While Bath is no longer a center of trade, the original town limits encompass a historic district today. At Historic Bath, you can visit two historic homes, the Exhibit Center, and a 1-mile walking tour. Thomas's Church is also open to the public. The Exhibit Center and Vanderveer House are wheelchair-accessible. The walking tour may be driven if desired.

Heirloom pumpkins are ever so lovely!
07/12/2026

Heirloom pumpkins are ever so lovely!

Historic Bath will be closed Friday, July 3rd in honor of Independence Day!
07/02/2026

Historic Bath will be closed Friday, July 3rd in honor of Independence Day!

Look at how well the heirloom sunflowers are growing along with the rest of the garden!
06/25/2026

Look at how well the heirloom sunflowers are growing along with the rest of the garden!

Our Sunflowers seem to be doing well!
06/18/2026

Our Sunflowers seem to be doing well!

This summer, you can visit us on Sundays! Historic Bath is part of a time-limited pilot program to expand access to NC H...
06/10/2026

This summer, you can visit us on Sundays! Historic Bath is part of a time-limited pilot program to expand access to NC Historic Sites. We’ll be open from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays from June 14 – Aug. 2. Visit our website to learn more: historicsites.nc.gov/sunday-hours

Benjamin C. Schaffer, author of "The First Fleets: Colonial Navies of the British Atlantic World, 1630-1775" will be doi...
05/30/2026

Benjamin C. Schaffer, author of "The First Fleets: Colonial Navies of the British Atlantic World, 1630-1775" will be doing a book signing and talk at our "Patriots at Sea" event on Saturday, July 25th.

Address

100 S. Harding Street
Bath, NC
27808

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12527416030

Website

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