On the South side of the Pamlico River, in Beaufort County, at the cross roads of U.S. Highway 17 and North Carolina Highway 33, is a small community rich in history, agriculture, and industry. According to historians, the name is derived from the Tuscaroran Indians who lived here several hundred years ago. The place was once known as Godley's Cross Roads, but the name was changed to CHOCAWANATETH some time before the Revolutinary period. Rev. N.C. Hughes, Jr. traced a reference to Chocawanateth Creek which was later spelled as Chocowinity Creek.

Soon after the end of the Civil War an effort was made to change the name of the town from Chocowinity to Belvue. However, Rev. N.C. Hughes, D.D., thought so highly of this unique name that he succeeded in persuading those who wanted the name changed to cease their efforts. Consequently, the old name CHOCOWINITY has remained through the years.

The exact meaning of the word "Chocowinity" had been a mystery for many years. In 1928, Mr. Hughes met a well-educated Indian encamped on the banks of the Edisto River in South Carolina. While talking with the Indian, Mr. Hughes mentioned he lived in a small village with an Indian name. Mr. Hughes pronounced the name "Chocowinity" and also spelled its former name of "Chocawanateth." The Indian thought for a moment and finally responded, "Oh yes, I have it now. That word means FISH FROM MANY WATERS." Mr. Hughes was instantly reminded of the many waters associated with the Chocowinity Creek and Chocowinity Bay as well as the Pamlico River. He was also reminded of the Shad, perch, red breast, black fish, pike pickerel, jack, rock, bass, trout, and sturgeon which had been caught in the waters. It was immediately apparent that the bay and creek bearing the name of Chocowinity, were a spawning and feeding grounds of "fish from many waters."

Town of Chocowinity Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 145
Chocowinity, NC, 27817