Currituck Events
In 1668, Currituck Precinct formed what is now Currituck County out of the county of Albemarle. The area, already settle from Virginia, became one of the four original counties of North Carolina. From this county came the counties of Hyde, parts of Tyrrell and Dare. Today it is one of the fastest growing counties in the state.
Forty miles long the county consists of a mainland peninsula divided by the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal and the Northern Outer Banks all surrounded by water. The county is 52% water.
Originally settled by Native Americans, the Algonquians gave Currituck its name meaning “land of the wild goose” as well as the communities of Moyock, place between two oaks, and Coinjock, land of blueberry swamp. By the time of the American Revolution the Native Americans had disappeared. The Baum site was the first archeological National Register site in America.
One of the early settlers, Peter Carteret, was secretary to the Lord Proprieters. In 1667 he was raising tobacco, corn, wheat, and livestock in Powells Point. He also renders oil from stranded whales.
A courthouse, jail, warehouse, and militia were requirements of precincts. Currituck’s first courthouse was built in 1723. The current one was built in 1844 with additions in the 1890’s, 1950’s and 2000’s. In 1736 Currituck was instructed to build a “Stock and Pillory.” A jail building was standing by 1790 since the Justices of the Peace repaired the chimney. The “Old Jail” was built in 1856 with 32-inch walls. At one time it was the longest in use jail building in the state.
True to its name Currituck is still known for duck hunting. Alone the Outer Banks and mainland stand numerous private hunting clubs. The first major club, the Currituck Club was built in 1856. In Corolla the Whalehead Club stands out as a club built in 1922-25 and the only Art Nuevo House in the state. It is now a museum.