Historic Bath, North Carolina

While the town of Bath itself is a historic resource, and the entirety of the town sits in a historic district, there are a handful of specific sites of importance. The Palmer-Marsh House and the Bonner House are two structures of note.

One of the oldest houses in the state, the Palmer-Marsh house has survived depressions, storms and two wars. Initially built by Michael Coutanch in 1744, the property, along with the house was purchased by Robert Palmer, the port's custom's collector from Coutanch's widow in 1761. In 1770, Palmer was promoted to Secretary and Clerk to the Crown and left his home for New Bern (North Carolina Historic Sites).

Palmer's oldest son, also named Robert, favored life in the British Military, and as such, the house was handed down to his younger son, William. After the elder Palmer was stricken with Yellow Fever, the newly appointed Governor, Josiah Martin appointed William to fill his fathers shoes, both as a Colonel in the militia and as the port custom's collector. Facing the internal conflict of which side to support entering the Revolution, William turned to alcohol (North Carolina Historic Sites).

After the war, all British, and suspected British supporters were striped of property, and the Palmer estate was no exception. In 1802 the property was sold to Jonathan and Daniel Marsh, two merchant brothers from nearby Washington. The house entertained many distinguished guests during this period, including the Marquis de Lafayette and his son (North Carolina Historic Sites).

Jonathan married Nancy Bonner, and they would have a son, named William. William graduated from Yale at the top of his class and served Beaufort County in the state assembly. William was commissioned a Caption in North Carolina's Fourth Regiment and was fatally wounded at Antietam (Sharpsburg) September 17, 1862 (North Carolina Historic Sites).

Joseph Bonner, the son of the American Revolutionary patriot and founder of Washington, North Carolina built the Bonner House in 1830. The Bonner family raised sheep on their 3,000 acres of farmland to provide woven goods to the community. Tow of Joseph's sons, William and Thomas, were confederate surgeons during the Civil War.

Religion and Spiritual beliefs were very important to the residents of Bath during the early Colonial Period. St. Thomas Episcopal Church was, and is, a place of quiet reflection for the people of Bath.

Built in 1734, St. Thomas Episcopal Church is the oldest Church in the state of North Carolina. The early days of the church were not easy. The first Reverend to lead St. Thomas was John Garzia, who wrote to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (S.P.G.), and informed them "his chief problem was with "twelve vestrymen whose only endeavor is to hinder." The last subject his congregation wanted to hear about from the pulpit was sin, inasmuch as many of them practiced these sins more devoutly than churchmanship" (North Carolina Historic Sites).

In 1754, the Reverend Alexander Stewart arrived to lead services at St. Thomas. In 1763, Stewart was instructed by the S.P.G to build a school for Black and Native children. While many residents did not feel the "salvation of Negro Souls" was in the best interest of the church, a schoolmaster was found that was willing to accomplish this goal. Only a few classes were held, but a school at the Lake Mattamuskeet reservation for Indian children was successful (North Carolina Historic Sites).

In September 1769 a horrible hurricane struck Bath, and Stewart was struck by flying debris. The injuries were so severe he lost the use of his legs, and in 1771 he died due to complications from his injuries.

Inside the church is Queen Anne's Bell, which was part of the Queen Anne's Bounty, a fund set up to help poorer parishes. Cast in 1750, the Queen Anne's Bell is 18 years older then the Liberty Bell.

The history and culture of Colonial Bath cannot be discussed without looking at the enduring heritage from the time period. To this day, the little community of Bath hosts a Pirate weekend, celebrating the rich history of piracy and privateering. The main attraction is Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard.

Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard lived in Bath while Charles Eden was Governor, starting in 1714. The Governor was notorious for looking the other way when it came to piracy in his ports...as long as he got a piece of the booty.

While no longer standing, Blackbeard's house was situated across Bath Creek from Bonner Point. Residents of Bath speak of a ball of fire the size of a man’s head seen travelling back and forth all night from Archbell point to Plum Point. Perhaps it is Blackbeard’s restless soul pacing his old treasure bound steps.

For more information regarding Blackbeard, and the work being conducted on his flagship, Queen Anne's Revenge visit the QAR Project website.

Another great resource on Blackbeard is the North Carolina Maritime Museum.