The Roanoke River has played an important role in the history of people living in Northampton County. The name of the River is an Indian word suggestive of death as it conveys the treacherous impact upon many peoples lives throughout the centuries. The river is now controlled by three dams and furnishes electric power to the citizens of North Carolina and Virginia.
In August 1940 the rains came early and with unexpected swiftness the river came rushing with powerful surges sweeping homes, barns and livestock down from the hills. Today the Roanoke River offers some of the best striper fishing on the east coast. Every spring they make their run up to spawn and this river turns into an artery of flowing stripers. The river is packed with wildlife, talk about a place to make you feel like a kid again.