thumb|A portion of John Collet's 1770 map of North Carolina depicting the environs of Bute County

Bute County, North Carolina is a former county in eastern North Carolina. In 1779, it was divided into Franklin County and Warren County and ceased to exist.

History

Bute County was established on June 10, 1764, from the eastern part of Granville County by the North Carolina General Assembly and named for John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1762 to 1763. It was formed in order to bring the residents of the eastern half of Granville County with improved access to local government, particularly those residing in St. John's Parish. It was expanded in 1766 to include the northwest part of Northampton County. After the Provincial Congress of 1775 and 1776, an act was proposed to divide Bute County. After more than two years of discussion, Bute County was divided on January 20, 1779, generally along the Shocco Creek, with Warren County in the north and Franklin County to the south.

Notable residents

  • Thomas Eaton
  • William Person

See also

  • List of former United States counties
  • List of North Carolina counties

References

  • Bute County, North Carolina at the USGenWeb Project
  • Bute County, North Carolina at carolana.com