European settlement near the Pamlico River in the 1690's lead to the
creation of Bath.  The town's location seemed ideal with easy access to
the Pamlico River and the Atlantic Ocean.

By 1708 Bath consisted of twelve houses and about 50 people.  Trade in
naval stores, furs and tobacco was important, and Bath became the first
port of entry into North Carolina.  

The first public library in the North Carolina Colony was established
in Bath in 1701 when 1000 books were delivered to St. Thomas Parish.
St. Thomas Church in Bath is the oldest existing church in North Carolina
 and is still in use today.

The first Beaufort County Courthouse was built in the town in 1723 and
later moved 15 miles up the Pamlico River to Washington in 1785.

Bath was once the home of Edward Teach, better known as Blackeard
the Priate.  Although Blackbeards lawless career only
lasted a few short years his fearsome reputation has long
 outlived him.  www.ncmaritime.org/blackbeard/default.htm

Bath still remains a small village and retains it's
colonial charm; the original town limits are the
boundaries of the National Register historic district.