The route passes through the westernmost municipality in the state, Murphy, and one of the most easternmost municipalities, Manteo, making US 64 a symbolic representation of the phrase "from Murphy to Manteo" which is used to refer to the expanse of the state.
US 64 symbolizes the vastness of the state by passing through its westernmost and easternmost towns, Murphy and Manteo respectively. This route represents the entire state's breadth.