Bute County was formed from Granville County in 1764 and abolished in 1779 when it was divided into Warren County and Franklin County. The courthouse of Bute County was located at a place called "Buffalo Rice Path" on land owned by Jethro Sumner about six miles southeast of present Warrenton, North Carolina. Most of the records of Bute County are still located in Warren County though some may be found in Franklin County.

John Stuart, Earl of Bute was Prime Minister of England from 1762-1763. He was the first Scottish-born Prime Minister as well as the first Tory to hold the office.