Abstract:
The county as a unit of government became very important during the Colonial Period of the 18th century in North Carolina. The county was instrumental in the disbursement of public funds for a variety of purposes. This included construction and maintenance of public buildings, salaries for sheriffs, clerks of court and tobacco inspectors, provision of public services, construction of bridges and operation of ferries, standardizing weights and measures, surveying of county boundaries and provision of charitable services.