Hertford County is located in the northeastern region of North Carolina, bounded on the north by the Virginia state line. The county lies 55 miles southwest of
Norfolk, 105 miles southeast of
Richmond and 120 miles northeast of the state capitol of
Raleigh. The area was first settled in the 16th century with land deeds dating back to 1710. Early settlers were principally European immigrants. North American Indians were also well represented in the Colonial population.
The County of Hertford was formed by an act of the state legislature in 1759 and named in honor of the Marquis of Hertford, Francis Conway, a distinguished member of parliament and a soldier. Winton was established as the county seat in 1766.
Located on the beautiful Chowan River, Winton was incorporated as a town in 1766, It replaced Cotton's Ferry as the county seat, and where the first court had been held. Later, Ahoskie was formed and became the center of business for Hertford County. An abundance of crops and forests caused some local industries to develop. By the 1950's industrial development efforts brought in other manufacturers, but farming continued as the economic backbone of Hertford County.
Hertford is fortunate to have an active waterway, the broad Chowan River , known for bass fishing, which flows through its land. Both U.S. Highway 13, (North/South), and U.S. Highway 158, (East/West) intersect in the County.
