CARTERET COUNTY
 About
mid-way between New York and Florida, Carteret County was established
in 1722 and is North Carolina's largest county. It is the southernmost
portion of North Carolina's famous Outer Banks and is bordered
by Pamlico Sound on the north and the Atlantic Ocean on the east
and south. With over 80 miles of ocean coastline, the county encompasses
about 1064 square miles, 520 of which are land 9 feet above sea
level. Many fishing villages dating back to the 1700's still exist
and, not surprisingly, Carteret County is a consistent leader
in North Carolina's commercial seafood landings. Beaufort is the
county seat while Morehead City is Carteret County's largest town.
For details, click on the Carteret County Economic Development
Council web site at http://www.carteretedc.com.
BOGUE BANKS
Bogue Banks is a narrow 30-mile long
island running from east to west with the Atlantic Ocean to the
south and Bogue Sound to the north. NC Highway 58 runs the length
of the island, connecting the mainland via two long span bridges.
One bridge is at the eastern end of the island, connecting Atlantic
Beach and Morehead City. The other bridge, at the western end
of the island, connects Emerald Isle and Cape Carteret.
Traveling from Emerald Isle to Atlantic Beach you go thru Salter
Path, Indian Beach and Pine Knoll Shores. While Bogue Banks includes
these five different townships, they blend nicely with a wide
variety of hotels, condominiums, rental homes, second homes, and
permanent homes.
 DOWN
EAST
Everything east of Beaufort is
"Down East", a collection of some twelve water-oriented
villages where many live who still rely on the sea for a living.
You will hear a hint of the Old English dialect when natives speak.
BEAUFORT
The county seat of Carteret County,
Beaufort was surveyed in 1713 and incorporated in 1722. It is
North Carolina's third oldest town. Steeped in history, Beaufort
was named for Englishman Henry Somerset, the Duke of Beaufort.
This charming seaport village showcases beautifully restored historic
homes, many of which have the original owner and the date they
were built displayed on plaques awarded by the Beaufort Historical
Association to homes at least 80 years old that retain their historic
and architectural integrity. A number of buildings are in the
National Register of Historic Places.
The town holds many secrets. You will be told about the pirate
Blackbeard who frequented the Hammock House of 1698, one of Beaufort's
oldest. It is said he used an oak tree in the front yard to hang
one of his wives. Neighbors swear that even today you can hear
her screams on moonlit nights. You can, and should, visit Beaufort
by land or by sea.
MOREHEAD CITY
Incorporated in 1861, Morehead
City is Carteret County's largest town. With a railroad to Raleigh,
it is a small but growing port city specializing in bulk, break
bulk, and specialty cargos.
Morehead City lays claim to North Carolina's second largest annual
festival, the North Carolina Seafood Festival, an event that brings
visitors from near and far. The city also hosts the annual Big
Rock Marlin Tournament, fished by serious big game fishermen from
around the world. The huge blue marlin are a sight to see. You
must take a stroll down the Morehead City waterfront.
 SWANSBORO
Barely out of Carteret County,
where the White Oak River enters the Intercoastal Waterway, you
find the quaint town of Swansboro. Swansboro was established in
1783 and is in Onslow County.
Right on the water, Swansboro's historic downtown is a favorite
destination. Many of the town's older buildings have been lovingly
restored under the watchful eye of the Swansboro Historic Commission.
Lovely Swansboro is a must see.
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