Swan Quarter, North Carolina

Swan Quarter is an unincorporated community in and the county seat of Hyde County, North Carolina, United States.DemographicsThe population, at the time of the 2010 census, was 324.HistoryIn the 18th century, Samuel Swann settled along the Pamlico Sound near the head of Swan Bay. Swann's Quarter was the first name given to this settlement. Eventually shortened to Swan Quarter, it became the county seat in 1836.The Hyde County Courthouse and Lake Mattamuskeet Pump Station, also known as Mattamuskeet Lodge, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.TransportationA 50-car ferry connects Swan Quarter in Hyde County on the mainland with Ocracoke Island, crossing Pamlico Sound in two and a half hours.Wildlife and preservationMattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge is located 9mi east of Swan Quarter, NC by U.S. Route 264 and North Carolina Highway 94 in Hyde County. It provides habitat for migratory waterfowl and other birds, for endangered species such as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and American alligators. It also provides wildlife-related recreation and environmental education for the public on its 50180acre of land.