Area Information

Settlers first came into the region in 1856 and moved into an area around South Dividing Creek that was later renamed Aurora. It is the youngest town in Beaufort County and was incorporated in 1880. Around 1900 the Irish potato was introduced into the area and did quite well in our fertile dark soil. It wasn't long before Aurora became known as the potato capital of the country.

Aurora enjoys a moderate climate. June's average temperature is usually around 75 degrees, while the January average is 44 degrees. Conditions here vary based on elevation, and temperatures can change dramatically. Temperatures tend to be lower in the mountains. The annual precipitation (mostly in the spring and summer) averages nearly 50 inches, with higher amounts in the mountains. Among the area attractions is the Aurora Fossil Museum. It presents a wide range of fossils found in the process of mining phosphate in eastern Beaufort County. Shark teeth and other fossils reveal many facts about the formation of this area. The Beaufort Historic Site includes the 1767 Joseph Bell House, the 1825 Josiah Bell House, the 1796 Carteret County Courthouse, the 1829 county jail, the 1859 apothecary shop and doctor's office, and the 1778 Samuel Leffers House, home of the town's first schoolmaster. Another place to visit is the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Public schools in Aurora include S.W. Snowden Elementary and the Aurora Middle School. Colleges and universities near Aurora include East Carolina University, Pitt Community College, Coastal Carolina Community College, University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Tidewater Community College, Cape Fear Community College and Norfolk State University. Hospitals and medical centers near Aurora include Pungo District Hospital, Beaufort County Hospital and Craven Regional Medical Center. Beaufort County is a recreational paradise! The Pamlico Sound and Pamlico-Tar River system serve as a recreational playground for fishermen, boaters and water-skiers. The 7,000-acre Goose Creek Gameland is a series of 200-acre waterfowl impoundments on a peninsula on the south side of the Pamlico River. Goose Creek State Park offers the mysterious wonders of marsh and swamp along the borders of the Pamlico River and Goose Creek. Visitors can canoe the creeks, fish on the shores of the Pamlico River or learn more about wetlands at the Environmental Education Visitor Center. Birders and hikers are also welcome. There are over 8 miles of hiking trails. Bible Shore is also an outstanding place for recreation that offers a stunning coast with a delightful vista. The county is also served by 3 lakes: the T.G. Clay Pond, T.G. Clay Pond Number Three and T.G. Slimes Pond Number One.  There are also 2 golf courses in the area: the Cypress Landing Golf Club and Washington Yacht and Country Club.

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