Elizabeth City is a beautiful city located in the state of North Carolina, more exactly in Pasquotank County and Camden County, being at the same time the county seat of the former. The history of Elizabeth City goes back to 1793, when the construction of the Dismal Swamp Canal started and thus enhanced the commerce in the area. Since then, Elizabeth City knew a thorough development, especially from an economical point of view. Now, there are 20.685 people living in Elizabeth City, according to the 2008 census. Moreover, Elizabeth City is also known as the 'Harbor of Hospitality', so it is clear that anyone who visits this city will have a wonderful time, enjoying the numerous cultural and recreational possibilities.
Top Attractions within Elizabeth City
The Museum of the Albemarle is a wonderful cultural institution, which serves as a branch of the North Carolina Museum of History. If you want to learn more about the history, culture and tradition of the area, this is the place to come. The museum is also renown for its Junior Docent Program, which involves basically teenagers from the age 13 to 18.
North Carolina Potato Festival is one of the most popular events that are being held in Elizabeth City, every year in May. This annual festival celebrates the potato, as it is one of the most important crops in the region. The first edition of the festival was held in 1940 and it reached a great popularity. Back then, the festival was known as the Albemarle Potato Festival, but it changed its name in 2001.
The Dismal Swamp Canal is the oldest continuously operating artificial canal in the country. The canal opened in 1805 and spans on 1.203 acres. Now, the canal represents one of the main landmarks of the region and it is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As a recreational facility, the canal allows for sailing, so enthusiasts will be very pleased.
