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Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in Elizabeth City, NC

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

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percent The Commercial Truck

Insurance Agency in Elizabeth City, NC You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance Elizabeth City, NC

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

 Truck Insurance Elizabeth City, NC

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

chart The Commercial Truck

Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Elizabeth City, NC

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Elizabeth City, NC

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

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 Trucking Insurance Elizabeth City, NC

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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 Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers Elizabeth City, NC

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

phone Call Now
 Commercial Truck Insurance Quote Elizabeth City, NC

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

 Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance Elizabeth City, NC phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance Elizabeth City, NC phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

 Truck Insurance Elizabeth City, NC phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Elizabeth City, NC that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

 Trucking Insurance Elizabeth City, NC

Latest News in Elizabeth City, NC

2 arrested after 20+ horses were found in 'poor condition' at Elizabeth City facility

PASQUOTANK COUNTY, N.C. — Two women were arrested and served warrants Friday, nearly two months after more than 20 horses were found in poor condition at an Elizabeth City property, according to the Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office.Lori Murphy and Phylicia McAplin were served warrants for 23 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, the sheriff’s office says. They were taken to the Albemarle District Jail but have since posted bond, the sheriff’s office added.Watch previous coverage: Horses taken out of El...

PASQUOTANK COUNTY, N.C. — Two women were arrested and served warrants Friday, nearly two months after more than 20 horses were found in poor condition at an Elizabeth City property, according to the Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office.

Lori Murphy and Phylicia McAplin were served warrants for 23 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, the sheriff’s office says. They were taken to the Albemarle District Jail but have since posted bond, the sheriff’s office added.

Watch previous coverage: Horses taken out of Elizabeth City equestrian facility, transported by volunteers

The charges are connected to a welfare check the sheriff’s office conducted at Skyward Pines Equestrian Center, an equine facility located in the 2900 block of Main St. Ext. in Elizabeth City, toward the end of July.

Watch previous coverage: Horses seized from Pasquotank County facility seized, rehabilitation begins

The sheriff's office says they worked with the U.S. Equine Rescue League to evaluate the 23 horses at the property using the Henneke Body Conditioning Scoring System: a rating system ranging from 1 to 9, with 1 being “poor” and 9 being “extremely fat.”

The average rating of the horses was 1.9, the sheriff’s office reported in July.

Watch: Woman receiving death threats for trying to help horses rescued from North Carolina farm

After evaluating the horses, the sheriff’s office says two were sent back to their owners and the 21 other horses were taken in by the U.S. Equine Rescue League (USERL) North Coastal Region. The sheriff's office then opened an investigation and ultimately had warrants issued for Murphy and McAlpin.

News 3 spoke to volunteers who helped transport the horses from the facility in July. They tearfully told us how horrified they were when they saw their conditions.

"It breaks my heart that anyone would leave these horses in this condition and allow them to be used on a daily basis by children," said Wendy Wild, a volunteer for USERL.

Watch: Couple hoping to get law changed after North Carolina horse rescue

It’s unclear if Murphy and McAplin have any upcoming court appearances. News 3 will provide updates as we learn more.

Broncos hold Elizabeth City State to 154 yards in 31-7 win at the Down East Vikings Football Classic

ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina -- Fayetteville State University showcased a dominant defensive performance to secure a 31-7 victory over Elizabeth City State at the Down East Viking Football Classic on Saturday afternoon. The Broncos' defense was impenetrable, holding the Vikings to just 154 total yards. This win improved Fayetteville State's record to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play, while Elizabeth City State fell to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the conference.Quarterback ...

ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina -- Fayetteville State University showcased a dominant defensive performance to secure a 31-7 victory over Elizabeth City State at the Down East Viking Football Classic on Saturday afternoon. The Broncos' defense was impenetrable, holding the Vikings to just 154 total yards. This win improved Fayetteville State's record to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play, while Elizabeth City State fell to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

Quarterback Joe Owens, Jr. led the Broncos' aerial attack, throwing for 116 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. On the ground, Julian Milligan was a standout, rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown, averaging an impressive 9.8 yards per carry. Demari Daniels contributed with 13 yards on the ground, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.

In the receiving department, David Baros caught five passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, while Emanuel Ortega-Garcia added three receptions for 55 yards and a score. The Broncos' defense was spearheaded by Kolby Merritt, who recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss (TFL), and an interception. Theniias Moss also had three tackles and an interception, and Jamari Slade made a significant impact with eight tackles, 2.0 TFL, and 1.5 sacks.

The game saw both teams forcing two turnovers, but it was Fayetteville State who capitalized, converting those takeaways into 14 points. The Broncos' offense was efficient on third downs, converting 44.4% of their attempts. Defensively, they limited Elizabeth City State to 47 passing yards and 107 rushing yards, disrupting the Vikings' passing game with two interceptions and three pass breakups.

The scoring opened with Fayetteville State taking a 7-0 lead in the second quarter. Elizabeth City State briefly tied the game, but the Broncos quickly regained the lead with a 43-yard field goal by John Hernandez-Vargas. Fayetteville State extended their lead in the third quarter and continued to build on it, ultimately securing a 31-7 victory.

Head Coach Richard Hayes, Jr. praised Elizabeth City State's quarterback, saying, "Creecy is a really good quarterback. He ran around and hurt us a little bit with his legs." He also commended his own team's offensive efforts, stating, "Offensively, we finally got it together in the 2nd half. I'm really proud of their efforts."

Key game notes include Fayetteville State outgaining Elizabeth City State 379-154, with a 229-47 advantage in passing yards. The Broncos' highest scoring quarter was the fourth, where they put up 14 points. They also excelled in third-down conversions and red zone defense, not allowing a sack and recording eight tackles for loss and three sacks. Elizabeth City State's quarterback, Damarcus Creecy, completed 12 of 19 passes for 32 yards but threw two interceptions and led the team in rushing with 36 yards.

Gallery: (9-21-2024) Football vs. Elizabeth City State

Bowie State Travels to Elizabeth City State for Road Finale

BOWIE, MD – The Bowie State Bulldogs (2-6, 1-4 CIAA) will travel to Elizabeth City, N.C. for their road finale against the Elizabeth City State Vikings (2-6, 1-4 CIAA) in a Central Intercollegiate Athletics Association (CIAA) matchup on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Roebuck Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will air live on the CIAA Sports Network.When: Saturday, Nov. 2 at 1:00 p.m. (ET) Where: Roeb...

BOWIE, MD – The Bowie State Bulldogs (2-6, 1-4 CIAA) will travel to Elizabeth City, N.C. for their road finale against the Elizabeth City State Vikings (2-6, 1-4 CIAA) in a Central Intercollegiate Athletics Association (CIAA) matchup on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Roebuck Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will air live on the CIAA Sports Network.

When: Saturday, Nov. 2 at 1:00 p.m. (ET) Where: Roebuck Stadium - Elizabeth City, N.C. Watch: CIAA Sports Network Live Stats: Click Here Tickets: Purchase Here Follow on Twitter: @BSU_Sports_Info Follow on Instagram: @BowieStateBulldogs

The Series Saturday's game will be the 47th meeting between Elizabeth City State and Bowie State, dating back to 1978. The Bulldogs have an overall all-time series record of 24-16 and have won 10 games in a row against the Vikings.

Last Outing Between the Bulldogs and Vikings In their last meeting, BSU won against ECSU 17-9 on Oct. 28, 2023, inside Bulldog Stadium in Bowie, Md. After a stalemate in the first quarter, the Bulldogs scored first, scoring the first touchdown of the game, but the Vikings responded by closing out the first half 7-7. Bowie State jumped on the scoreboard at the start of the third quarter with a defensive stop that led to a touchdown. The Bulldogs then added another touchdown after driving the length of the field, making the score 19-7 after the third quarter. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter, as the final score stayed at 19-7.

A Win Over Elizabeth City State Would... • Secure Bowie State's second conference win this season • Be the Bulldogs' first win on the road this season • Head coach Kyle Jackson's third win against Elizabeth City State • Extend the Bulldogs' win streak over the Vikings to 11 games in a row

Scouting Bowie State The Bulldogs are led offensively by freshman quarterback Kevin Taylor, who has thrown for over 1,155 passing yards and 13 touchdowns on the season. On the ground, Micah Robinson is BSU's leading rusher with 411 yards and one rushing touchdown. Defensively, senior Sadiq Salawu ranked second in the CIAA in solo tackles with 47 on the year, while junior Jordan Williams is second on the team in tackles with 44 on the season.

Last Time Out for the Bulldogs Bowie State fell against Virginia Union, 56-28, on Oct. 26th inside Bulldog Stadium. The Panthers started the scoring off with a one-play drive that ended in a touchdown. They continued to pour on two more touchdowns, ending the first quarter 21-0. VUU added two more touchdowns, while BSU responded with a touchdown of their own going into halftime with a score of 35-7. Virginia Union added two more touchdowns in the third quarter, while Bowie State responded with two of their own to close out the quarter with a score of 49-21. The Bulldogs struck first with a touchdown in the fourth quarter but was quickly responded by the Panthers scoring one of their own, closing the game out with a final score of 56-28.

Scouting Elizabeth City State The Vikings are led by freshman quarterback Damarcus Creecy, who has thrown for 826 passing yards and six touchdowns through seven games this season. ECSU's leading rusher is Zechariah Adams-Duckson, with 288 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Defensively, Elizabeth City State is led by senior Demorian Smith, who has 57 tackles on the season. Anchoring the defensive line is junior TreShaun Harris, who has four sacks on the season.

Last Time Out for the Vikings Elizabeth City State dropped a close one against the Lincoln (PA) Lions, 21-20, on Saturday, Oct. 26th, in Elizabeth City, NC. inside Roebuck Stadium. The Lions started strong scoring a touchdown on their first drive. LUPA then added another touchdown while holding ECSU scoreless for a score of 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Vikings returned the favor by not allowing the Lions to score in the second quarter and scoring two touchdowns but missed on a PAT attempt for a score of 14-13 going into halftime. ECSU grabbed the lead at the beginning of the third quarter with a touchdown, but Lincoln (PA) scored another touchdown to take back the lead for a score of 21-20 at the end of the third quarter. Neither team could find the endzone in the fourth quarter which led to the Lions winning with the final score being 21-20.

Up Next The Bowie State Bulldogs will close out their season at home for Senior Day against the Lincoln Lions (PA) on Saturday, Nov. 9. at 12 p.m. from Bulldogs Stadium in Bowie, Md.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State University Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, please visit www.bsubulldogs.com.

Records, artifacts shed light on 200-year-old history dug up at Elizabeth City church

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. - A dig into the past continues at an Elizabeth City church two months after a tree removal accidentally uncovered artifacts more than 200 years old.News 3 first stopped by Christ Episcopal Church in June, ten days after remnants of an old home were unearthed on the property, possibly among the first in...

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. - A dig into the past continues at an Elizabeth City church two months after a tree removal accidentally uncovered artifacts more than 200 years old.

News 3 first stopped by Christ Episcopal Church in June, ten days after remnants of an old home were unearthed on the property, possibly among the first in incorporated Elizabeth City.

Under bricks, the church, and local and state archaeologists uncovered pottery, plates, animal bones and more — most dating back to the 1800s, but some dating as far back as the 1700s.

Watch previous coverage: Centuries-old artifacts uncovered at Elizabeth City church

Since then, church members Ian Lowry and his mother Robyn Culpepper have continued the effort to dig at the site; sifting through piles of dirt.

“I do wanna keep digging and I wanna keep finding things as long as there’s things to find," Lowry told News 3.

They've now found enough artifacts to display across a stage inside the church — including Chinese-made plates, a pipe with President Franklin Pierce's face on it and 18th-century currency from Nova Scotia.

“My working theory is that there was a house on the site, probably until about 1880, and that it burned. There’s clear evidence in the soil of a fire," said Lowry.

City and church records are also shedding light on who may have lived at the site. Lowry says in the early 1800s, the property belonged to a man named George Davis — a remarkable discovery, he says, because it was the pre-Civil War South and Davis was a Black homeowner.

Watch related: What will become of this Confederate monument in Edenton?

“He’s listed as a ‘free person of color’ in all the documents," said Lowry. "It’s unique to have somebody at that time owning property, making all these business deals with white neighbors.”

Lowry says Davis' daughter was married at Christ Episcopal Church, though, in the previous building. The current church building, though the oldest in the city, was built in the 1850s.

Right now, he and his mother have until September 17 to dig, but he plans to ask the church for an extension to try and learn more.

“It gives such a good window into that world, the 1820s and 1830s, of how they lived," said Lowry. "What they ate off of, what they smoked, what they drank.”

As the church prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary next year, Lowry says whatever is left to be discovered will be shared with the congregation and the Elizabeth City community.

North Carolina school district hits major milestones in student improvement

ELIZABETH CITY, NC. — “We just sat there and looked at the computer screen, and for a couple minutes, nobody said anything," said Keith Parker, superintendent of Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Public Schools.That was the reaction a month ago when Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Public Schools leaders learned their hard work was starting to pay off. In 2022, the district embarked on a mission to get off the low-performing designation in the state. That’s been achieved.ECPCPS went from eight to six low p...

ELIZABETH CITY, NC. — “We just sat there and looked at the computer screen, and for a couple minutes, nobody said anything," said Keith Parker, superintendent of Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Public Schools.

That was the reaction a month ago when Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Public Schools leaders learned their hard work was starting to pay off. In 2022, the district embarked on a mission to get off the low-performing designation in the state. That’s been achieved.

ECPCPS went from eight to six low performing schools in 2022-2023 and in the 2023-2024 school year that is now down to two. In the 2023-2024 school year, the district improved in all student sub-group categories. Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Early College is the first school ever to receive an A designation under the state's accountability model. J.C. Sawyer and P.W. Moore Elementary both achieved a C grade this year after having an F in 2022.

Watch: Dare County Schools implements new technology ahead of 2024-2025 school year

Pasquotank County High School went from a D to C designation and leadership is already setting their sites on getting that grade to a B.

“I can say number one is just the kids wanting to do better, not wanting to attend a school that was titled low performing. They wanted to be in a place where it shined. The teachers needed the confidence level and the instructional leadership to be able to do what they knew how to do, but teach them how to do it so that they got the outcomes that they were looking for. Parents wanted a place that was safe for their kids to attend," said Delishia Moore, principal of Pasquotank County High School.

This success comes from many places. Keeping a closer eye on student improvement, offering new programs and extra instruction to name a few. The district also points to strong relationships inside and outside of the schools.

“To see the compassion and the care from our educators of the work we're doing is something that is really powerful," said Parker.

Watch: SOL results are in. How did Virginia students score in the 2023-24 school year?

"It's nice having those educators that really care for us. I know they've been offering different tutoring in the morning and afternoon just to give the students that need the extra support, that support that they need. There's also been a fostering of a community between the staff, the students and the parents that have helped enhance the support that's needed to actually help our school grow," said Rubi Nunez-Anaya, a senior at Pasquotank County High School.

The district isn't stopping here though, as a whole they all are working towards steady improvement in the coming years.

"We started off the year with making sure that the instruction was aligned. Last year we didn't start our intervention time till second semester. This year, we started on day six, and we're still intentional about what that looks like, and monitoring the instruction, monitoring how students are performing, making sure those common formative assessments are in place, and we're using that data to drive the instruction. So we're going to get there," said Moore.

"Our commitment is to make sure we don't leave the public schools the way we found them, that we work to change them so that they work for the 21st century. They work for every kid, and they ensure that our young people get the opportunities they need to live the life they want to live, and today is a way for us to celebrate the fact we're doing that work," said Parker.

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