Exploring the Maritime Structure of Castle Island: A Historical and Archaeological Study of an Offshore Island Near Washington, North Carolina

Abstract

North Carolina’s long history is often overlooked in comparison to that of surrounding states, as the lands were not as fertile, nor were the cities as industrialized during colonial and postcolonial periods. Through the expansion and utilization of waterways, however, the state became a priority to local, regional, and international trade of lumber and naval stores. Harbors and ports served as a link to the economic prosperity of North Carolina’s maritime activities. With the formation of waterfronts and usage of wharves, eastern North Carolina became an asset to commercial services, and particularly the city of Washington played a vital role in the development of waterborne commerce. Settled on the Tar-Pamlico River, Washington became one of the largest mercantilist centers in the eastern region, trading not only nationally, but internationally as well. The early expansion of Washington’s maritime infrastructure, such as that established around Castle Island, remains an unexplored aspect. Integrating historical and archaeological findings, this thesis considers the role of Castle Island and its development from the eighteenth to mid-nineteenth century through an analysis of its wharf structure.