WASHINGTON - A PLEASANT SURPRISE!

Trip Day:              45       Latitude:            35°32.44' N                        Locks Today:    0

Miles Today:        0        Longitude:     077°03.36' W                        Locks Total:     6

Total Miles:    1,094       Location:       Washington, NC  / City Docks (free)         

We strolled along the waterfront last night and captured the evening flavor of the riverwalk.  It seems that most of the residents of the historic district of Washington come to the riverfront to walk or jog and most greet us when they pass.

Early, very early, this morning we took a ride in the dinghy, before there was any river   traffic.  The locals call this The Castle        Island where ships would offload their ballast stones before docking at Havens Wharf to fill their holds with local goods before sailing back to Europe. 

Washington has been a wonderful little town to explore with 40 city blocks of homes   dating to the mid-1800s.  These old homes, just like in Charleston and Savannah, are well  documented as to the original family and architect who built the home.  It must be amazing to live in a 200 year old home that you can trace back to the original owner!  Several of the largest homes are now Bed and Breakfast establishments. 

 

The Myers House is the oldest structure in Washington (1780), having survived the Union burning the Wharf 1864 to keep stores of goods out of the hands of the   Confederates.  The fire rapidly spread to consume most of the city.  

Elmwood—1820— was featured in an 1857 edition of Harper’s Weekly Magazine.

Cecil B. DeMille was born in Washington and The DeMilles Building, on Market Street, has served as Town Hall and the Fire Station.