Located on the wide shores of the Neuse River, not far from Pamlico Sound, Oriental was originally discovered by one Louis B. Midyette in the 1870 s . He was sailing from New Bern back to his home in Dare County where he was a farmer and a fisherman. Storytellers claim that the next morning Lou went ashore and climbed a tree. He was captured by the beautiful landscape and all of the waterfront created by the many creeks. He returned home to persuade others to join his family in moving to the area.
History seems to repeat itself every day.
Modern day sailors are discovering Oriental and following in Lou Midyette s footsteps. Many residents will tell you that their first visit to Oriental was by water while cruising coastal North Carolina and that they too decided to make Oriental their home. This is quickly confirmed by looking out at the water where you are likely to see members of The Sailing Club or Oriental, The Oriental Dinghy Club, The Neuse Sailing Association and many other sailors enjoying the typically great sailing conditions. The United States Post Office Department established a post office here back in 1886. Ol Lou Midyette was named postmaster of what was then known simply as Smith s Creek.