County Profile
Washington County
Total Population
11,580
Washington County
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
Washington County
Percent College Educated
11.5%
Washington County
Labor Force Participation Rate
47.6%
Washington County
EXPLORE WASHINGTON COUNTY
Washington County, located in the Coastal Plain region of North Carolina, was formed in 1799 from Tyrrell County and named for President George Washington. It is partially bordered by the Albemarle Sound. Early inhabitants of the area included Algonquian Indians, followed by English settlers. Plymouth, the county seat, was incorporated in 1807 and named for Plymouth, Mass. Other Washington County communities include Roper, Creswell, Cherry, Scuppernong, Pleasant Grove, Westover, Hinson, and Wenona. Besides Albemarle Sound, notable bodies of water in the county include the Roanoke and Scuppernong Rivers, Phelps and Pungo Lakes, Beaver Dam and Kendrick Creeks, and East Dismal Swamp. The Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southeastern corner of the county.
Washington County historic sites include Garrett’s Island Home, built in the mid-eighteenth century; Westover Plantation and Homestead Farm, both built in the mid-nineteenth century; and Somerset Place, built in the late eighteenth century and today a North Carolina State Historic Site. As a consequence of the Battle of Plymouth (1864), Confederate forces recaptured the town and reopened the Roanoke River. Cultural attractions include the Port O’ Plymouth Roanoke River Museum and the Washington County Arts Council. The county hosts festivals and annual events such as Riverfest, Civil War Living History Weekend, Somerset Homecoming, Indian Heritage Week, and Plymouth Farm-City Festival.
Washington County agricultural products include corn, soybeans, peanuts, tobacco, cotton, cabbage, sage, beans, potatoes, hogs, and poultry. Manufactured products include wood pulp, paper, plywood, lumber, pallets, clothing, rope, and processed peanuts. Washington County’s estimated population was 13,500 in 2004.
Default Single Topic Component Pack: Population, Age and Gender – Total Population – CHART, 2015-2019, with all available pulldowns. COMPLETE OVERVIEW information for Washington County – AS
Town of Creswell
Life in the Town of Creswell is enhanced by the preservation of our local history and the enjoyment of today. Our community combines agriculture, industry, history, civic activities, recreation and countless other events for a wholesome and fulfilled lifestyle, making it an ideal place to raise a family and grow your business.
Town of Plymouth
The Town of Plymouth takes pride in maintaing a wholesome lifestyle, rich in cultural history, along with a deep commitment to the preservation of our environment and a progressive approach to local business.
Stroll Plymouth, NC’s Water Street along the riverfront and in just four short blocks you’ll discover the top-rated Port ‘O Plymouth history/Civil War museum, The Roanoke River Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, a wildlife museum that offers a hands-on experience about local and exotic animals, a riverfront boardwalk and the Rail Switch Nature Trail. Browse waterfront antique shops and unique eateries along the way.
Outdoor adventures include fishing and fishing tournaments, fantastic bear, deer and small game hunting, unique paddling and river platform camping experiences and great birding opportunities. With its rich history, Plymouth is a great place for research, too.
Town of Roper
Roper is a small historic community nestled between Plymouth and Creswell along Hwy 64. Although primarily an agricultural community today, timber was once king and Roper was known far and wide for its cypress and white cedar shingles and lumber. It all began in the early 1700’s when Captain Thomas Blount built a water-powered lumber mill that brought recognition to the area now known as Roper. When he died his widow remarried Thomas Lee who continued mill operations for many years resulting in the local settlement becoming known as Lee’s Mill. Lumber products were barged down Kendrick’s Creek to Mackeys and loaded on ships bound for distant ports. Lee’s Mill was known as the industrial center of the South Shore Settlements.