Plenty on Plymouth Available at Joyner
By Fred Harrison
 

            The town of Plymouth will appear on television next month. On May 22, the History Channel will air a 90-minute documentary from 8- 9:30 p.m. on U.S. Navy Lt. William Cushing’s attack and destruction of the CSS Albermarle ironclad in the Roanoke River at Plymouth, located in Washington County. Directed by Emmy-award winning producer Carl Kriegeskotte, the documentary focuses on what has been called the “most daring” mission of the Civil War.

            If you want to learn more about the CSS Albermarle and Washington County’s eventful history, before or after viewing this program, visit the North Carolina Collection at East Carolina University’s Joyner Library. Among the books in the North Carolina Collection is an introduction to Washington County that will make the History Channel program as well as history homework more exciting for students.

            Although North Carolina school children are exposed to important historical facts and lore, they often do not realize their region’s role in that history. History doesn’t happen elsewhere. Books show that it happens right here in eastern North Carolina. Students are fortunate that Washington County is one of the most progressive counties in its efforts to see that young people have access to their county’s rich past.  “My Home is Washington County, North Carolina: A Local History for Students” covers many significant episodes and facts that show Washington County’s special place in North Carolina history.

            A project of the Washington County Bicentennial Committee and approved by the Washington County Board of Commissioners, the book, published in 1998, is edited by Shirley Beacham Phelps with Betsy L. Modlin as publication chairman.  “My Home is Washington County” interweaves trivia and lore along with fine maps and illustrations. It is instantly attractive to almost anyone, regardless of age. Among the topics included are county origins, the formation of towns and townships, significant buildings, churches, homes, businesses, Washington County at war, education, traditions, and lifestyles, and a final chapter on Washington County’s future- with projections for the year 2046.

            Besides history, the book also includes interesting facts. One of Washington County’s distinctions, it says, is having the state’s second largest natural lake./ Lake Phelps is estimated to be more than 38,000 years old and is unique in the clarity of its water, compared to similar bodies of water in the region. Stretching five miles across, Lake Phelps is not fed by streams or springs but depends completely upon rainfall. A true natural wonder, this beautiful body of water continues to puzzle and excite scientists.

            Area residents and visitors, as well as the ECU community are welcome in the North Carolina Collection on the third floor of Joyner Library. For more information call 328-6601 or see our home page at www.ecu.edu/cs-lib/ncc/index.cfm.

            Fred Harrison is a staff member in the Verona Joyner Langford North Carolina Collection.