Elizabeth City County, one of the eight original shires, was created in 1634. It was originally known by the name of Kecoughton. The name was later changed to Elizabeth City County which became extinct in 1952 when it was incorporated into the City of Hampton. The City of Hampton was burned during the Revolutionary War, The War of 1812 and during the Civil War. Some records exist from 1634 to 1861. The records are complete from 1865 to present day.