Camden County, created out of Pasquotank County’s eastern precincts on May 9, 1777, was named after Sir Charles Pratt, Earl of Camden. The Camden County Courthouse was built in 1847, in the Greek Revival Style, and is still in use today for county business. Camden’s Jailhouse is a two-story brick structure, rebuilt after a fire in 1910. Explore Camden County’s history through interpretive panels, artifacts and knowledgeable docents at the Camden County Heritage Museum & Historic Jail.
The Dismal Swamp, a unique geological wonder, originally spread across a million acres. George Washington, joining with several other prominent men, formed two syndicates in hopes of draining the Swamp, harvesting the Atlantic White Cedar and utilizing the land for farming. Construction of the Dismal Swamp Canal, which allowed for boat traffic between the Chesapeake Bay and the Albemarle Sound, began in 1793 and lasted twelve years. Opening in 1805, this 22 mile long Canal is the oldest continually operating, hand-dug canal in the United States. The Dismal Swamp, recognized as part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, provided a formidable refuge for runaway enslaved people, or freedom seekers. In later years, notorious moonshiners would also hide their recreational enterprises in the deep, vine covered canopies. The Dismal Swamp State Park provides exhibits, trails and Ranger led programs to educate the public about its colorful past.
During the Civil War, the Battle of South Mills occurred in Camden County on April 19, 1862 at the south end of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Victory was claimed on both sides with the Confederacy preventing the destruction of the canal locks at South Mills and the Union capturing the field. Casualties were experienced on both sides. Havoc was wreaked by the Union troops as they returned to their ships at Chantilly. Discover the paths of Union and Confederate soldiers by following the Battle of South Mills Driving Tour brochure and NC Civil War Markers.
Points of Interest:
*NC Birding Trail Sites
*Dismal Swamp State Park
*Biking, Hiking, Paddling & Photography Trails
*NC Civil War Trail Site Markers
*Camden County Heritage Museum, Historic Jail & Courthouse
*National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site
Camden County, created out of Pasquotank County’s eastern precincts on May 9, 1777, was named after Sir Charles Pratt, Earl of Camden. The Camden County Courthouse was built in 1847, in the Greek Revival Style, and is still in use today for county business. Camden’s Jailhouse is a two-story brick structure, rebuilt after a fire in 1910. Explore Camden County’s history through interpretive panels, artifacts and knowledgeable docents at the Camden County Heritage Museum & Historic Jail.
The Dismal Swamp, a unique geological wonder, originally spread across a million acres. George Washington, joining with several other prominent men, formed two syndicates in hopes of draining the Swamp, harvesting the Atlantic White Cedar and utilizing the land for farming. Construction of the Dismal Swamp Canal, which allowed for boat traffic between the Chesapeake Bay and the Albemarle Sound, began in 1793 and lasted twelve years. Opening in 1805, this 22 mile long Canal is the oldest continually operating, hand-dug canal in the United States. The Dismal Swamp, recognized as part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, provided a formidable refuge for runaway enslaved people, or freedom seekers. In later years, notorious moonshiners would also hide their recreational enterprises in the deep, vine covered canopies. The Dismal Swamp State Park provides exhibits, trails and Ranger led programs to educate the public about its colorful past.
