Bertie County (named for James Bertie) is in what is often called the Inner Banks, a term not everyone is familiar with.

We want to start with a few points of interest in Bertie County, and follow up with some links that you might find helpful.

For NC Culture, one of the high spots of Bertie is the Sans Souci Ferry, one of the three remaining cable ferries located in our state.   We’ll begin with this from Chloes’ Blog, compliments of Big Mill Bed and Breakfast (Big Mill Bed and Breakfast is located in Williamston, not far up the road, and can also be found on Facebook).  This ferry, lives up to its’ name, which means “without care; free and easy”. Although this ferry is free, it’s a good idea to call ( 252-794-4277 ) to confirm being able to cross, and there is a weight limit of 10 tons, and a passenger limit of 6.

Sans Souci Ferry, compliments of Chloe’s Blog

Sans Souci Ferry

The Sans Souci ferry is a cable ferry on the Cashie River, a tributary of the Roanoke River.  It is a free ferry, one of three remaining cable ferries in NC, and is credited with saving about twenty miles for folks desiring to reach the other side!  Note: no schedule..gotta blow your horn for service.  I have included a video which has a lot of information scrolling across during the crossing, and also a link to a blog that we particularly enjoy:

Chloe’s Blog

As for pronunciation,  we have conflicting information:

(Chloe’s blog)

San Souci is pronounced “Sanns Soo‘cee,” with the accent on the middle syllable.

As for the river, it is the Kah-shigh‘ — with the accent on the last syllable and the “i” is long.

(according to video)

(pronounced Ca Shy, not “cashie” as name implies),

Ca Shy, not “Cashie”

(Russell Mizelle)

Another high point in Bertie County is Hope Plantation

Historic Hope Plantation website

Historic Hope Plantation on Facebook

Hope Plantation is the former home of Governor David Stone (1770-1818)

Hope Plantation is also on the National Register of Historic Places, and a full list of sites in Bertie County can be found here.

Historic Hope Plantation in Windsor
Photo compliments of their Facebook page

County seat: Windsor

Town of Windsor

Town of Windsor on Facebook

Points of interest:

Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge

Cashie Wetlands Walk

Cashie Wetlands Walk is located in Windsor.  The following is an excerpt from a government site:  The walk also features a boat ramp, and a boardwalk.

“A natural wetlands environment with cypress trees and other swampland flora.  Walk takes visitors to the edge of the Cashie River, which is 20 miles long, as deep as 80 feet in places, and begins and ends within the county of Bertie.  An observation desk allows views of several different species of endangered waterfowl as well as other swampland animals in their natural habitats.”

The Cashie River is a tributary of the Roanoke River, and the following photo was kindly provided by the Carol Shields, Executive Director for Roanoke River Partners, and we cannot thank them enough!  You can also find the Roanoke River Partners on Facebook.

Cashie River
photographer: Carol Shields, executive director of Roanoke River Partners

Map of Bertie County, North Carolina With Municipal and Township Labels

Askewville

 Aulander

Colerain

Kelford

Powellsville

Merry Hill

 

Merry Hill is home to Lawrence Academy.  You can find the school profile by clicking here.

Roxobel: Originally known as Cotton’s Cross Roads

Other communities include Elm Grove, Gatlinsville, Greens Cross, Hexlena, Perrytown, Pine Ridge, Sans Souci (with Sans Souci Ferry, the county’s only ferry), Spring Branch, Trap, Woodard, Baker Town, Whites Cross, Rosemead, and Todds Cross.