Pasquotank County’s name is river-oriented. Pasquotank comes from the Algonquin Indian word pasketanki,which means “where the current of the stream divides or forks.” During the Colonial period rivers defined transportation centers and settlements grew upon their banks.
Well into the 19th century, rivers remained the main conduits for transportation and commerce in the region.
The first Englishmen to visit the county were Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe in 1585. The two men led a reconnaissance party to explore the region on behalf of Sir Walter Raleigh.
Pasquotank County claims the first land deed in North Carolina, between Nathaniel Batts, believed to be North Carolina’s first settler, and Kiscutanewh, king of the Yausapin Indians, on September 24, 1660. The purchase included thousands of acres, “All ye land on ye southwest side of Pascotank River from ye mouth of said river to ye head of New Begin Creeke.”
Other Pasquotank County “firsts” include the first General Assembly of North Carolina, which met on February 6, 1665 under a tree on the shores of Symonds Creek, and the first public school in North Carolina, established by Episcopalian minister Charles Griffin in 1705.
Culpeper’s Rebellion, America’s earliest revolt against government tyranny, took place in Pasquotank County, beginning in 1677. Led by John Culpeper, the settlers rebelled against unjust governing practices by the British Crown.