The City of Greenville, NC is gearing up to celebrate our 250th Anniversary in 2024!
In 1761, Pitt County was established after North Carolina legislation dividing Beaufort County at Tranters Creek was approved and named after British politician William Pitt, who experienced great success in the French and Indian War.
In 1771, Pitt County legislator Richard Evans saw the need for a county seat of government, and made plans to divide off his plantation in order to form a town on the south side of the Tar River. However, Evans died before the town’s official establishment.
In 1774, all requirements of the North Carolina General Assembly’s charter were fulfilled to establish the town, and seven appointed commissioners laid the town off into 100 half-acre lots that were sold at public auction. The town was then named Martinsborough in honor of the Royal Governor Josiah Martin, but would eventually have its name changed to Greenville after the Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene.
Throughout the years, Greenville has experienced the transition from a fledgeling village on the Tar River, to a small town dependent on tobacco, to its current status as an economic, educational, medical, and cultural hub of Eastern North Carolina.
To celebrate, the City of Greenville has created a 250th Anniversary website to share the story of the “Emerald City” through a digital journey that will explore the different eras of Greenville’s history. Enjoy perusing the interactive timeline, maps, oral histories (coming soon), and old and current photos of the people and places that have made Greenville all that it is today!
Check the website out at 250.greenvillenc.gov. More content will be added throughout the year, so keep checking back!
Share Your Greenville Memories!
The City of Greenville is also looking for YOUR stories and experiences of Greenville to share during the next year! If you have stories, photographs, videos, or artifacts you would like to share with the community, please email the Greenville Public Information Officer, at piooffice@greenvillenc.gov.
Keep Track of Greenville All Year!
The City is excited to share its annual calendar that reflects this milestone in our city’s history, as well as much more throughout the next year. The 2024 City of Greenville Calendar will be available beginning January 8th, 2024 at City Hall, as well as Greenville, NC Recreation & Parks Centers, Sheppard Memorial Library branches, and other community partners.
