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Coordinates: 36°03′55″N 76°03′52″W / 36.06520°N 76.06453°W / 36.06520; -76.06453
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{{short description|An estuary on the coast of North Carolina, United States}}
{{Short description|An estuary on the coast of North Carolina, United States}}
{{For|the album|The Albemarle Sound}}
{{For|the album|The Albemarle Sound}}
{{Refimprove|date=April 2011}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2011}}

[[Image:AlbermarleSound-EO.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Albemarle Sound with the northern Outer Banks. Orbital photo courtesy of NASA.]]
[[File:Albemarle Sound.jpg|thumb|Satellite image of Albemarle Sound]]


'''Albemarle Sound''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|æ|l|b|ə|ˌ|m|ɑː|r|l}}) is a large [[estuary]] on the coast of [[North Carolina]] in the United States located at the confluence of a group of rivers, including the [[Chowan River|Chowan]] and [[Roanoke River|Roanoke]]. It is separated from the [[Atlantic Ocean]] by the [[Currituck Banks]], a barrier peninsula upon which the town of [[Kitty Hawk, North Carolina|Kitty Hawk]] is located, at the eastern edge of the sound, and part of the greater [[Outer Banks]] region. [[Roanoke Island]] is situated at the southeastern corner of the sound, where it connects to [[Pamlico Sound]]. Much of the water in the Albemarle Sound is brackish or fresh, as opposed to the saltwater of the ocean, as a result of river water pouring into the sound.
'''Albemarle Sound''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|æ|l|b|ə|ˌ|m|ɑː|r|l}}) is a large [[estuary]] on the coast of [[North Carolina]] in the United States located at the confluence of a group of rivers, including the [[Chowan River|Chowan]] and [[Roanoke River|Roanoke]]. It is separated from the [[Atlantic Ocean]] by the [[Currituck Banks]], a barrier peninsula upon which the town of [[Kitty Hawk, North Carolina|Kitty Hawk]] is located, at the eastern edge of the sound, and part of the greater [[Outer Banks]] region. [[Roanoke Island]] is situated at the southeastern corner of the sound, where it connects to [[Pamlico Sound]]. Much of the water in the Albemarle Sound is brackish or fresh, as opposed to the saltwater of the ocean, as a result of river water pouring into the sound.


Some small portions of the Albemarle have been given their own "sound" names to distinguish these bodies of water from other parts of the large estuary. The [[Croatan Sound]], for instance, lies between mainland [[Dare County, North Carolina|Dare County]] and Roanoke Island. The eastern shore of the island to the Outer Banks is commonly referred to as the [[Roanoke Sound]] (which is also a historical name for the entire body of water now known as Albemarle Sound<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|chapter=Albemarle Sound |chapterurl=http://www.britannica.com/place/Albemarle-Sound|encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]|accessdate=29 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Mcpherson|first1=Elizabeth G.|last2=Paschal|first2=Herbert R.|title=Batts, Nathaniell|url=http://ncpedia.org/biography/batts-nathaniell|website=NCpedia|accessdate=29 July 2015}}</ref>). The long stretch of water from near the [[Virginia]] state line south to around the [[Currituck County, North Carolina|Currituck County]] southern boundary is known as the [[Currituck Sound]].
Some small portions of the Albemarle have been given their own "sound" names to distinguish these bodies of water from other parts of the large estuary. The [[Croatan Sound]], for instance, lies between mainland [[Dare County, North Carolina|Dare County]] and Roanoke Island. The water bordering the eastern shore of the island to the Outer Banks is commonly referred to as [[Roanoke Sound]] (this is also a historical name for the entire body of water now known as Albemarle Sound<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|chapter=Albemarle Sound |chapter-url=http://www.britannica.com/place/Albemarle-Sound|encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]|access-date=29 July 2015|title=Albemarle Sound &#124; inlet, North Carolina, United States &#124; Britannica }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Mcpherson|first1=Elizabeth G.|last2=Paschal|first2=Herbert R.|title=Batts, Nathaniell|url=http://ncpedia.org/biography/batts-nathaniell|website=NCpedia|access-date=29 July 2015}}</ref>). The long stretch of water from near the [[Virginia]] state line south to around the [[Currituck County, North Carolina|Currituck County]] southern boundary is known as the [[Currituck Sound]].


The [[sound (geography)|sound]] forms part of the [[Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway]]. Its coast saw the first permanent settlements in what became North Carolina, the English [[Albemarle Settlements]]. Many inland [[Tidewater (geographic term)|Tidewater]] communities along the Albemarle today are part of the [[Inner Banks]] region of the state.
Albemarle Sound forms part of the [[Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway]]. Early English colonists, mostly migrants from Virginia, settled along its in the first permanent European settlements in what became North Carolina; these were known as the English [[Albemarle Settlements]]. Many inland [[Tidewater (geographic term)|Tidewater]] communities along the Albemarle today are classified as part of the [[Inner Banks]] region of the state.


[[Image:NS train crosses Albermarle Sound 1918.jpg|300px|left|thumb|[[Norfolk Southern Railroad (1883-1891, 1910-1942)|Norfolk Southern Railroad]] passenger train crosses the Albemarle Sound [[trestle]] in 1918. The trestle was demolished in the late 1980s.]]
[[Image:NS train crosses Albermarle Sound 1918.jpg|left|thumb|[[Norfolk Southern Railroad (1883-1891, 1910-1942)|Norfolk Southern Railroad]] passenger train crosses the Albemarle Sound [[Trestle bridge|trestle]] in 1918. The trestle was demolished in the late 1980s.]]
{| align="right"
{| align="right"
|

[[Image:Chowanrivermap.png|right|300px]]
[[Image:Chowanrivermap.png|thumb|upright=1.25]]
|}{{clear}}
|}{{clear}}


==History==
==History==
Before Europeans came to the Albemarle Sound, the [[Algonquian peoples|Algonquian]] Indians lived in the region. They traveled the sound in [[dugout canoe]]s, and [[trapped fish]].
The indigenous [[Pamlico]] and their ancestors lived in the region for thousands of years. They traveled the sound in [[dugout canoe]]s, and [[trapped fish]]. The Pamlico often set up seasonal fishing camps for this purpose, retreating inland in winter weather.


In 1586 the first European explorers sailed up the {{convert|55|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} length of the Albemarle Sound. Half a century later, the first European settlers came south from [[Virginia]], establishing agricultural and trading colonies along the shores of the Sound. The Albemarle Sound soon became a very important thoroughfare, with small trading ships called coasters carrying cargo to and from other colonies, and larger merchant ships bringing spices, silks, and sugars from the [[West Indies]] in exchange for products such as [[tobacco]] (a major export of the southern colonies), [[herring]], and lumber.
In 1586 the first European explorers sailed up the {{convert|55|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} length of the Albemarle Sound. Half a century later, the first European settlers came south from [[Virginia]], establishing agricultural and trading colonies along the shores of the Sound. The Albemarle Sound soon became an important thoroughfare: small trading ships called coasters carried cargo to and from other colonies, and larger merchant ships brought spices, silks, and sugars from the [[West Indies]] in exchange for products such as [[tobacco]] (a major export of the southern colonies), [[herring]], and lumber.


In 1663, Albemarle Sound was made part of the [[Province of Carolina]] by [[King Charles II of England]] and given to eight [[Lords Proprietor]]s. One of these royal beneficiaries was [[George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle]], for whom the sound is named.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.museumofthealbemarle.com/ |title=Museum of the Albermarle |accessdate=2011-04-19| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110429005155/http://museumofthealbemarle.com/| archivedate= 29 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
In 1663, [[King Charles II of England]] designated Albemarle Sound as part of the [[Province of Carolina]]; it was assigned to eight [[Lords Proprietor]]s. One of these royal beneficiaries was [[George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle]], for whom the sound is named.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.museumofthealbemarle.com/ |title=Museum of the Albemarle |access-date=2011-04-19| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110429005155/http://museumofthealbemarle.com/| archive-date= 29 April 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref>


[[Ferries]] was a common method of transportation through the swamps surrounding the Albemarle Sound throughout the history of the region. One ferry that linked the towns of [[Edenton]] and [[Mackeys, North Carolina]], continued in service from 1734 to 1938, when a bridge was built across the Sound. Another longer bridge of more than {{convert|3|mi|km}} in length was built in 1990.
[[Ferries]] were a common method of transportation through the swamps surrounding the Albemarle Sound throughout the history of the region. One ferry that linked the towns of [[Edenton]] and [[Mackeys, North Carolina]], continued in service from 1734 to 1938, when a bridge was built across the Sound. Another, longer bridge of more than {{convert|3|mi|km}} in length was built in 1990.


Fishing was a major industry in the Albemarle Sound. In late spring, plantation farmers would fish for [[shad]], [[striped bass]], and [[herring]]. Nets used by these fishermen were sometimes enormous, with some more than a mile (1600 m) long, and were frequently staffed 24 hours a day. Herring was cut and salted for export to Europe, while shad was packed in ice and shipped up the [[Chowan River]] to be sold in northern colonies. Regional striped bass tournaments attracted sports fishermen to the area, and it was considered by many to be the greatest striped bass fishery in the world.
Fishing was a major industry in the Albemarle Sound from the colonial period. In late spring, when the fish runs started, planters set enslaved workers to fish for [[shad]], [[striped bass]], and [[herring]]. Fishermen sometimes had enormous nets, with some more than a mile (1600 m) long, and they were frequently staffed 24 hours a day. Herring was cut and salted for export to Europe, while shad was packed in ice and shipped up the [[Chowan River]] to be sold in northern colonies.


Pollution and development in recent years have depleted the fisheries of the Albemarle Sound by seventy percent.
In more recent times of the twentieth century, regional striped bass tournaments attracted sports fishermen to the area. This was considered by many to be the greatest striped bass [[fishery]] in the world.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} But [[Water pollution in the United States|water pollution]] from industry, agriculture and other development in recent years has depleted the fisheries of the Albemarle Sound by seventy percent.


==See also==
==See also==
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Albemarle Sound}}
* [http://www.discoverec.org/ Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau]
* [http://www.discoverec.org/ Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau]
* {{cite web |url=http://members.inteliport.net/~aea/albsndtxt.htm |title=The Albemarle Sound |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212225550/http://members.inteliport.net/~aea/albsndtxt.htm |archivedate=February 12, 2008}}
* {{cite web |url=http://members.inteliport.net/~aea/albsndtxt.htm |title=The Albemarle Sound |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212225550/http://members.inteliport.net/~aea/albsndtxt.htm |archive-date=February 12, 2008}}


{{coord|36.06520|-76.06453|type:waterbody_scale:1000000|display=title}}
{{coord|36.06520|-76.06453|type:waterbody_scale:1000000|display=title}}


{{Outer Banks}}
{{Outer Banks}}
{{Authority control}}


⚫
[[Category:Dukes of Albemarle|Sound]]
[[Category:Estuaries of North Carolina]]
[[Category:Estuaries of North Carolina]]
⚫
[[Category:Sounds of North Carolina]]
[[Category:Roanoke River]]
[[Category:Roanoke River]]
[[Category:Bodies of water of Dare County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Bodies of water of Dare County, North Carolina]]
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[[Category:Bodies of water of Tyrrell County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Bodies of water of Tyrrell County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Bodies of water of Hyde County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Bodies of water of Hyde County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Sounds of North Carolina]]

Latest revision as of 22:24, 26 July 2023

For the album, see The Albemarle Sound.
Satellite image of Albemarle Sound

Albemarle Sound (/ˈælbəˌmɑːrl/) is a large estuary on the coast of North Carolina in the United States located at the confluence of a group of rivers, including the Chowan and Roanoke. It is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Currituck Banks, a barrier peninsula upon which the town of Kitty Hawk is located, at the eastern edge of the sound, and part of the greater Outer Banks region. Roanoke Island is situated at the southeastern corner of the sound, where it connects to Pamlico Sound. Much of the water in the Albemarle Sound is brackish or fresh, as opposed to the saltwater of the ocean, as a result of river water pouring into the sound.

Some small portions of the Albemarle have been given their own "sound" names to distinguish these bodies of water from other parts of the large estuary. The Croatan Sound, for instance, lies between mainland Dare County and Roanoke Island. The water bordering the eastern shore of the island to the Outer Banks is commonly referred to as Roanoke Sound (this is also a historical name for the entire body of water now known as Albemarle Sound[1][2]). The long stretch of water from near the Virginia state line south to around the Currituck County southern boundary is known as the Currituck Sound.

Albemarle Sound forms part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Early English colonists, mostly migrants from Virginia, settled along its in the first permanent European settlements in what became North Carolina; these were known as the English Albemarle Settlements. Many inland Tidewater communities along the Albemarle today are classified as part of the Inner Banks region of the state.

Norfolk Southern Railroad passenger train crosses the Albemarle Sound trestle in 1918. The trestle was demolished in the late 1980s.

History

[edit]

The indigenous Pamlico and their ancestors lived in the region for thousands of years. They traveled the sound in dugout canoes, and trapped fish. The Pamlico often set up seasonal fishing camps for this purpose, retreating inland in winter weather.

In 1586 the first European explorers sailed up the fifty-five-mile (89 km) length of the Albemarle Sound. Half a century later, the first European settlers came south from Virginia, establishing agricultural and trading colonies along the shores of the Sound. The Albemarle Sound soon became an important thoroughfare: small trading ships called coasters carried cargo to and from other colonies, and larger merchant ships brought spices, silks, and sugars from the West Indies in exchange for products such as tobacco (a major export of the southern colonies), herring, and lumber.

In 1663, King Charles II of England designated Albemarle Sound as part of the Province of Carolina; it was assigned to eight Lords Proprietors. One of these royal beneficiaries was George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, for whom the sound is named.[3]

Ferries were a common method of transportation through the swamps surrounding the Albemarle Sound throughout the history of the region. One ferry that linked the towns of Edenton and Mackeys, North Carolina, continued in service from 1734 to 1938, when a bridge was built across the Sound. Another, longer bridge of more than 3 miles (4.8 km) in length was built in 1990.

Fishing was a major industry in the Albemarle Sound from the colonial period. In late spring, when the fish runs started, planters set enslaved workers to fish for shad, striped bass, and herring. Fishermen sometimes had enormous nets, with some more than a mile (1600 m) long, and they were frequently staffed 24 hours a day. Herring was cut and salted for export to Europe, while shad was packed in ice and shipped up the Chowan River to be sold in northern colonies.

In more recent times of the twentieth century, regional striped bass tournaments attracted sports fishermen to the area. This was considered by many to be the greatest striped bass fishery in the world.[citation needed] But water pollution from industry, agriculture and other development in recent years has depleted the fisheries of the Albemarle Sound by seventy percent.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Albemarle Sound". Albemarle Sound | inlet, North Carolina, United States | Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  2. ^ Mcpherson, Elizabeth G.; Paschal, Herbert R. "Batts, Nathaniell". NCpedia. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  3. ^ "Museum of the Albemarle". Archived from the original on 29 April 2011. Retrieved 2011-04-19.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Albemarle Sound.

36°03′55″N 76°03′52″W / 36.06520°N 76.06453°W / 36.06520; -76.06453

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