Dare County
… was formed in 1870 from Currituck, Tyrrell, and Hyde Counties. Located in the NE section of the state, it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean; Pamlico, Croatan, and Albemarle Sounds; and Hyde and Tyrrell Counties. It was named for Virginia Dare, born August 18, 1587, on Roanoke Island in the county; she was the first child of English parents to be born in America. Area: 1,246 sq. mi. (388, land; 858, water). County seat: Manteo, with an elevation of 12 ft. Townships are Atlantic, Croatan, East Lake, Hatteras, Kennekeet, and Nags Head. Produces boats, concrete products, cabinets, scuppernongs, figs, poultry, processed seafood, corn, soybeans, and lumber.