11 Oldest Towns in North Carolina That Are Full of History

There's no denying that North Carolina is filled with important American history. In fact, many towns in the Tar Heel State date back to the earliest U.S. settlers and helped pave the way for the colonies' independence from British rule during the Revolutionary War.

Luckily, many of the oldest and smallest towns in North Carolina are still alive and well. Most have been carefully preserved over the years, allowing locals and tourists a glimpse into the beginnings of our great state. Ready to explore them for yourself? Here are 11 of the most historic towns in North Carolina, plus some of the standout landmarks you can visit at each one.

1. Bath

The small town of Bath is filled with history. The town was officially incorporated in 1705 and is considered North Carolina's first town and major port. In fact, the infamous pirate Blackbeard also called Bath home in the early 1700s, when Charles Eden was governor. On your next visit to the state's oldest town, stop by St. Thomas Episcopal Church, built in 1734, or historic houses like the Van Der Veer house, which dates back to 1790. You'll never run out of things to do and see in this old town.

2. Edenton

Edenton was incorporated in 1712 and quickly became one of the most popular shipping ports on the East Coast. Today, the town's history and beauty are very much still alive. Not only is Edenton the birthplace of famous author and abolitionist, Harriet Jacobs, but it's also home to the state's oldest courthouse, the Chowan County Courthouse. It's still in use today and is a popular place for tourists to visit. Another site, the Roanoke River Lighthouse, was built in 1886 and is an extremely popular and beautiful attraction.

3. New Bern

Before being settled by the English in 1710, the town of New Bern was an ancient village called Chattoka, inhabited for hundreds of years by Indigenous people. Once Europeans settled here, they built Tryon Palace in 1770, which became the first permanent capital in North Carolina. Make your first stop at this iconic landmark and catch a Revolutionary War reenactment. Then, consider a walking or battlefield tour in the historic downtown district. You'll feel immersed in colonial history when you visit New Bern.

4. Beaufort

Beaufort was discovered by settlers in 1709 and established in 1713. As a bustling port city, it attracted many pirates, including the notorious Blackbeard (he really loved North Carolina). Blackbeard ran his ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, aground near present-day Beaufort. There are several sites in Beaufort on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the old burying ground, Carteret County Home, the Gibbs House, and the Jacob Henry House. The town of Beaufort is amazingly charming with a cool, coastal flair, and was recently named as one of the "Coolest Small Towns in America" by Budget Travel Magazine.

5. Bethania

Right outside of Winston-Salem, you'll find the small, old town of Bethania. The area was originally settled by the Moravians, a Protestant community from Eastern Europe, and is actually older than Old Salem, dating back to 1759. When you visit, you'll be able to see the town's overflowing history firsthand. Start with a trip to the Jacob Loesch House (one of the town's first log cabins) to learn a little more about Bethania's history, and be sure to visit the Bethania House Market for authentic Moravian gifts and trinkets. It's a wonderful town to visit in winter, too.

6. Hillsborough

Hillsborough is a town in Orange County with a lengthy history. Long before European settlers made it their home, Indigenous people inhabited the area for thousands of years. The town was established in 1754 and became home to the first ratifying convention in 1788. There are so many historical sites to see here—a walking tour is definitely your best bet for experiencing them all. You'll see landmarks like the colonial-style Alexander Dickson House, the Old Orange County Courthouse, and Margaret Lane Cemetery.

7. Brunswick Town

While not a "town" anymore, the ruins of Brunswick Town are amazing for a day trip filled with history. This Colonial ghost town, located beside the Cape Fear River, was ravaged by British Troops in 1776 and never rebuilt. Today, locals and tourists alike find beauty among the ruins. The remains of St. Philips Church, for example, are often used as a unique wedding venue. Fort Anderson, which can be visited in modern day, was built atop the old village site and used during the Civil War. It's a short drive from nearby towns like Leland and Winnabow.

8. Old Salem, Winston-Salem

Despite the skyline view of Winston-Salem in the distance, you really feel as though you've stepped back in time in Old Salem. Located just outside the city, this Moravian town has several buildings that date back to the 18th century, including quaint, colorful cottages that line the main street. If you visit the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, you can make candles, enjoy Moravian cookies, and marvel at the horse-drawn carriages and people dressed in period attire. It's a fun day trip for the entire family.

9. Halifax

Halifax is an extremely small town—it's no bigger than 0.4 miles, and is home to about 257 people. The historic town was established in 1757 and developed into a commercial and political haven during the Revolutionary War. In 1776, North Carolina's fourth provincial congress met in Halifax and adopted the Halifax Resolves (the first official action recommending independence from Great Britain). Several buildings in town are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; take a self-guided walking tour to see unique architectural wonders, like the interestingly shaped house above.

10. Rutherfordton

Rutherfordton is the epitome of Southern charm. It was officially established in 1787, but much of its history is still on display. The downtown area, for instance, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with the revered Rutherford City Cemetery—one of the most historic cemeteries in North Carolina. Stroll through and spot gravestones dating back to the 1770s, then stop by the tiny St. John's Church (built in 1849) and St. Francis Episcopal Church (completed in 1899) to witness stunning examples of Gothic-Revival architecture.

11. Banner Elk

Banner Elk is a picturesque mountain town located in the northwestern part of the state. It was established in 1848 and is home to Lees-McRae College, a private Presbyterian university founded in 1900 with a stunning campus. Many of the college's original buildings remain to this day, and you can tour them all even if you aren't a student. After taking in the beauty of the college atop the Appalachian Mountains, visit the shops and restaurants downtown, or spend time at the nearby Beech Mountain, which has tons of fun hiking trails.

Ready to brush up on your American history at these tiny North Carolina towns? Whether you live nearby or across the country, it's worth planning a road trip or flight to these treasured destinations. If you use Only In Your State's itinerary planner, you'll get top-notch recommendations for the best lodging and accommodations, restaurants, and must-see attractions in each town. So you won't miss a thing!