North Carolina Ports

The Treasurer and Comptroller Ports series comprises a comprehensive collection of shipping accounts, entries, clearances, and various records from North Carolina’s ports, spanning from the colonial period to the late nineteenth century. These documents, including volumes, loose papers, correspondence, and affidavits, cover a wide array of topics such as customs duties, health regulations, privateering cases and laws, and seamen’s welfare accounts. Notably, the collection sheds light on the trafficking of enslaved persons into North Carolina ports, with detailed records of arrivals at Port Beaufort, Port Brunswick, Port Roanoke, and others. Additionally, materials related to the U.S. Cutter Diligence and Port Wilmington’s quarantine hospital offer insights into early maritime law enforcement and public health initiatives during this period.  

This site is currently under development. We will be reviewing and making corrections and updates on an ongoing basis. If you find any errors, please send them to archives@dncr.nc.gov or digital.info@dncr.nc.gov