Looking at early maps, the western boundary of Tyrell County, North Carolina seems to have been established long before Tyrell ever came to exist. The boundary line that existed for over a century, was changed overnight above the objections of one of the area's most prominent citizens. As one begins to investigate this issue, it appears there may be more involved than simply anchoring the boundary along a static, geographical feature – in this case a canal. As we examine the situation in an historical context, and recognize the individuals involved, one can not help apply the modern magnification of skepticism upon the actions of the North Carolina General Assembly, and the landowners of Tyrell, Washington and Chowan counties.

In 1652(?), one of the Lords Proprietor's grants was Albermarle County. This vast area was composed of lands on both sides of the Albermarle Sound. We shall focus on the Pasquotank Precinct, which was in the located in the center of Albermarle County. On the north side of the sound, the area of present-day Pasquotank County composed the north portion of this Precinct, while on the south side of the sound, the Precinct line extended southwesterly across the Sound from Stevenson Point on Durant's Neck to Bull Bay. The line followed a southwesterly track into the swamp and out Pungo River. Alligator River formed the eastern boundary.

In the years that followed, this western boundary remained the same, even as the Pasquotank Precinct was dissolved and was restored.1/

In 1696, the southern portion of Pasquotank Precinct is separated and becomes a part of Bath County (present-day Hyde County). The western and eastern boundaries of the remaining Pasquotank Precinct are unchanged.

For seventy-seven years, the western boundary of the Pasquotank Precinct, south of the Albermarle Sound has remained unchanged. The accepted boundary is known by two generations of farmers, judiciary and taxmen.

In 1729, Tyrell County is formed. The western boundary extends southwesterly from Bachelor's Bay (near present day Plymouth), in a straight line to Bath's Beaufort Precinct. Tyrell County extends eastward to the ocean.

Forty-five years later (in 1774), Martin County is formed and includes area from the most western section of Tyrell County. The western boundary of Tyrell is now drawn along Welch Creek, south from Bachelor's Bay.

It is clearly stated that the line between Tyrell and Washington Counties ran from a point on the western shore of Lake Phelps, meaning that Josiah Collins' Somerset Place, along with the properties of Charles Pettigrew were located well within Tyrell County.

Now we see the line has shifted to the east, consuming the properties of Josiah Collins, and splitting lands of Charles Pettigrew into two counties. The boundary has not changed since.

In 1801, Somerset Place became part of Washington County. The Somerset Canal became the County Line, from the mouth of the canal (at the Scuppernong River) up to Lake Phelps. This line would place all the properties of Joshiah Collins in Washington County, but it would split the lands of Pettigrew’s Bonarva.