Pasquotank County is named for the Native American word “paketank” meaning “where the current of the stream divides or forks”.
Surrounding County Courthouses:
N – Camden County
E – Camden County
S – Tyrrell County
W – Gates County and Perquimans County
Created: 1670
County Seat:
Broomfield 1739 – 1757
Reke’s Point 1757 – 1762
Winfield 1762 – 1770
Nixonton 1770 – 1800
Elizabeth City 1800 – present
County Courthouse – Elizabeth City
Location: 206 East Main Street / North Elliott Street
Built: 1881 – 1882
Style: Classical Revival
Architect: Albert L West of Richmond, Virginia
Contractor: Daniel Steigerwalt Kramer
Description: The building faces east and is a two story red colored brick structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Elizabeth City. The building has an east and west wing with a center section having a portico with four columns. On the center of the roof is a high white colored cupola with clock and small dome at the top. The roof is hipped. The courtroom is located on the second story. The building houses the County Superior Court and County District Court of the 1st Judicial District. The building was renovated and an addition added in 1979 and 1980. The architect was Noel N Coltrane, Jr. and the contractor was D R Allen & Son Inc. of Fayetteville.
See: The 1st Judicial District includes Camden County, Chowan County, Currituck County, Dare County, Gates County and Perquimans County.
History: The county was created in 1670 as a precinct of Albemarle County. In 1739 county status was gained and Broomfield was selected as the county seat. The first courthouse was erected. In 1758 the court met in Relfe’s Point and then in Winfield. In 1770 the county seat was moved to Nixonton and the second courthouse was built in 1770. In 1800, the county seat was moved to Elizabeth City and the third courthouse was built. The fourth courthouse was built in 1866. The fifth and present courthouse was constructed in 1881 to 1882.

County Courthouse – Elizabeth City









Photos taken 2012