Tar River

Encyclopedia : T : TA : TAR : Tar River

The Tar River is a river that is approximately 346 kilometers (215 miles) long, of northeast North Carolina flowing generally southeast to an estuary of Pamlico Sound.

North Carolina was originally a naval stores colony--that is, the blanket of long leaf pines that covered the coastal plane was used by the British Navy for ship's masts and the pine pitch was used to manufacture tar caulking for vessels. The river derives its name from its historic use as a major route for tar-laden barges as they headed to the sea. The city of Tarboro on the banks of the river, as well as the state's official nick name "Tarheel State" also derive from this history.

Among the towns and cities along its course are Louisburg, Rocky Mount, and Tarboro.

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