Pasquotank was formed as early as 1668 as a precinct of Albemarle County. 
Its name is derived from an Indian word pasketanki which meant "where the 
current of the stream divides or forks." It is in the northeastern section of the 
State and is bounded by Albemarle Sound and Perquimans. Gates, and 
Camden counties. The present land area is 226.88 square miles and the 
2000 population was 34,897. It is not known when the first courthouse was 
built, but from 1737 to 1757 the courthouse was at Brook Field. In 1758 it was 
moved to Belfe's Point. It remained there until 1762 or probably a little later. 
From 1765 until 1785 the courthouse was at Winfield. In 1784 the Assembly 
directed that it be moved to Nixonton, and from 1785 to 1800 Nixonton was 
the county seat. In 1799 Elizabeth (City) Town was named the county seat 
and on June 6, 1800, the first court was held there. Elizabeth City was first 
called Redding, which was established in 1793. Redding was changed to 
Elizabeth Town in 1794, and Elizabeth Town was changed to Elizabeth City in 
l801. It is the county seat.









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Diane Siniard