Bute County is a former county located in the state of North Carolina. It was formed in 1764 from the eastern part of Granville County. It was named for John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1762 to 1763. In 1779 Bute County was divided into Franklin County and Warren County, and ceased to exist.
(Source: wikipedia, submitted by Kim Torp)