Before we begin this second series on the topic of our downtown waterfront’s history, let me thank Ursula Loy and Pauline Worthy for their vivid explanations and descriptions in their book, “Washington and the Pamlico.” It is a very good read and one that every Washingtonian should read.

Thanks to those two ladies for letting our history go to press for all to read. Now, continuing with our series about Washington’s waterfront, let us begin with the onset of the War Between the States.

Washington’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean provided it an opportunity to help the Confederate Army keep fresh supplies to the front lines. Our ship builders and shipping was a major commerce for this region. The Confederate Army was quick to ask our local merchants for help, and they responded. Some say there were pilings across the Pamlico that only a few knew the passage through. One defected to the Union Army, and thus, we were attacked on both land and water. The capture of Fort Hill and Rodman’s Quarter on the south side of the river afforded the Massachusetts 44th Infantry easy entry into our city. The Union soldiers captured both garrisons in Washington and left only to return once again to stay. They barracked at the old Washington School on the corner of Bridge and Second streets, and officer’s headquarters were at Elmwood. It is said that Elmwood was one of the most stoic of all of Washington’s homes and still is today. Upon their departure near the end of the war, they destroyed our city with the first of two major fires. This fire destroyed almost every home from Bridge to Van Norden streets, except for some significant buildings that were left. With resiliency and resolve that our citizens were known for, they rebuilt and looked to the future with eagerness and excitement.

Unfortunately, the post-war years were not kind to our port city, but our businesses continued to survive. Most of the products that were marketed in Washington had moved on to the Piedmont. This could have been a sign of times ahead for all eastern North Carolina.

Our population had grown to 5,000, and tobacco had taken over as one of our most important crops (cotton, corn and lumber were still assets to our region). These used shipping to transfer them to ports outside of North Carolina.

Then, enter the rail system! Two railroads came into existence. The Jamesville-Washington was the first, and it enabled lumber to be railed from Martin County to Washington and the Eureka Mill, founded by George Leach, which was one of the biggest in North Carolina at that time. This was later joined by the Wilmington-Weldon Railroad.

Just as Washington seemed to be recovering, another massive fire ravaged our central business district.

A flue from a local restaurant sparked this disaster that burned most of downtown from Main to Water streets. Once again, our resolve was tested and Washington emerged stronger than before. The buildings we now see are mostly those built during this recovery time with, again, the exception of a few.

Our forefathers’ determination was instrumental in Washington’s recovery. Such names as Hoyt, Buckman and Fowle worked to bring Washington back to its regional prominence. Since being founded in 1776 by James Bonner, having the county seat moved from Bath to Washington and enduring two wars, our town was thriving once again.

Let us conclude this writing and continue next week with this series through World War II.

Please let me say thanks to everyone for support of our merchants during the holidays! You helped keep the atmosphere festive, and everyone had smiles and happiness was abounding. The WHDA wants to thank you, and let us keep it up. Only in Washington! Until next week, please shop, dine and play in beautiful Washington, and if you have time, take a walk with the H-Rob!

Harold Robinson is the executive director of the Washington Harbor District Alliance.