Hertford

Perquimans County was deeded to George Durant in 1661 by Kilcocanen, King of the Yeopim Indians.  With the river as the region's major thoroughfare, the small settlement called Hertford served as the colony's first capital until 1716.

Early on, Quakers were a strong influence in Hertford.  The first recorded religious service in the state was held in a Hertford home near the river in 1672.

By the late 1700s, farming, livestock and the fur trade were major industries here.  The first bridge across the Perquimans River was built in 1798; it was replaced a hundred years later with a drawbridge.  In 1928 the current "Historic S Bridge" replaced the drawbridge. The "S" bridge is still in use today. It was the inspiration for the famous song, "Carolina Moon."

The secret to Hertford, to quote one visitor, is what it does not have: no more than three stop lights in the historic downtown; no buildings over two stories; no traffic jams; no big box stores.  And what do we have?  Huge 60-cent ice cream cones at the corner drug store.  More folks who say hello to you than not as you stroll through the historic downtown.  There's a heaping helping of southern hospitality at its best waiting for you in Hertford.

Folks in Hertford have a quality of life that most people only dream of: quiet, friendly and safe, where everyone knows everyone else by first names. Visitors will be able to experience small-town, southern life at its best.

If you like boating and canoeing, you will be thrilled exploring the Perquimans River, which runs from one end of the county to the other, with over 100 miles of shoreline. These paddling excursions will allow you to explore some pristine Inner Banks landscapes and view wildlife and birds along the river and creeks.  So pack up your canoes and kayaks and head to the municipal dock or Missing Mill Park, where you can park your vehicle and start your adventure.

No story about Hertford would be complete without the Newbold-White House and the Periaguer, known as Ms. P. to her crew.  The Newbold-White House, built in 1730 and just a few miles up from downtown, is the oldest brick house in North Carolina open to the public.  It was built by Abraham Sanders, a Quaker.  The site is in the process of being made into a "living museum" and is certainly worth the visit.

The Periauger is the only replica in the world of a boat used to haul goods across the King's young colony.  A dugout log split and equipped with two sails and oars called sweeps, the original work vessel was listed on a 1751 inventory of the Sanders' homestead.  The boat is currently moored in Hertford Harbor awaiting its permanent home, now under construction at the Newbold-White House.

For further information on Hertford, visit www.visitperquimans.com or call (252) 426-5657.