text:
Carrboro, North Carolina

Carrboro is a town in Orange County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The population was 21,295 at the 2020 census. The town, which is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina industrialist Julian Shakespeare Carr.

Located directly west of Chapel Hill, home of the University of North Carolina's flagship campus, Carrboro has a reputation as one of the most progressive communities in the Southeastern United States. It was the first municipality in North Carolina to elect an openly gay mayor (Michael R. Nelson in 1995) and the first municipality in the state to grant domestic-partner benefits to same-sex couples. In October 2002, Carrboro was among the first municipalities in the South to adopt resolutions opposing the Iraq War and the USA PATRIOT Act.

History
The history of Carrboro is similar to the history of many mill towns in North Carolina and largely parallels the histories of the State University Railroad and the Alberta Cotton Mill. Located just west of Chapel Hill, Carrboro was originally known as West End. It was settled in 1882 near the terminus "in a vacant field" of the 10.2 mi State University Railroad spur from University Station in Glenn, North Carolina. (State law required that the railway be at least 1 mi from the university campus "to guard against possible damage to student morals and habits of study," or as it was more cynically put, "to discourage students from leaving on the weekends and spending their money elsewhere. ) Settlement in West End increased after 1898 when Thomas F. Lloyd of Chapel Hill built a steam-powered grist mill near the depot. This would become the Alberta Cotton Mill, and in 1900 the town briefly called itself Lloydville in his honor.

Durham businessman Julian Shakespeare Carr bought the mill and other nearby buildings in 1909, adding them to the chain of mills that became Durham Hosiery Mills. In 1911, West End was incorporated and named Venable in honor of chemistry professor and University of North Carolina president Francis Preston Venable, but only two years later was renamed Carrboro, after Carr provided electric power for the community and expanded the mill. In addition to the university and the textile mills, the railroad depot in Carrboro also served the local lumber industry, and in the 1920s and 1930s Carrboro became a major hub in the hardwood cross-tie market.

A 1920s building boom in Carrboro sparked by a fire in the downtown business district ended as business at the Durham Hosiery Mills declined towards the end of the decade. The Great Depression also took an economic toll and in 1930 the company closed Mill No. 4, the original Alberta Cotton Mill. Passenger service on the train line ended in 1936. In 1938 Durham Hosiery Mills closed Mill No. 7, across Main Street from Mill No. 4, and ceased operations altogether.

"Robert 'Bob' Drakeford, the town's first and only black mayor, elected in 1977, recalled when Carrboro was a sundown town, where people of color knew not to be out after dark."

During World War II, Mill No. 7 became the site of a munitions factory. After the war, Pacific Mills bought both Mills No. 4 and 7 and operated them as Carrboro Woolen Mills. When Pacific Mills closed in the mid-1960s - the final activity at the mill was sorting and shipping BVD underwear - Carrboro was no longer able to depend upon the textile industry to sustain itself. The University of North Carolina and other businesses in the area were growing rapidly and provided work in a wide range of occupations and locations.

The mill remained abandoned for nearly a decade and changed hands several times. In 1975 the owner, with the assent of the Carrboro Board of Aldermen, intended to have it demolished. A community petition and fund-raising effort provided for its restoration as Carr Mill Mall. It has since grown into a bustling hub of activity, hosting many businesses such as Weaver Street Market.

In addition to the Alberta Mill Complex, the Carrboro Commercial Historic District, Thomas and Mary Hogan House, and Thomas F. Lloyd Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The name Carrboro
Carrboro was named for Julian Carr, a UNC alumnus, trustee, honorary degree recipient, industrialist, and philanthropist. He was also a white supremacist, opposed black suffrage, thoroughly endorsed the "Lost Cause" interpretation of the Civil War, and defended the Ku Klux Klan and lynchings. A 2011 letter to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student newspaper, the Daily Tar Heel, called attention to Carr's remarks at the dedication of the Silent Sam monument on the University of North Carolina campus. The following passage, quoted in the letter, has become locally famous:

"One hundred yards from where we stand, less than ninety days perhaps after my return from Appomattox, I horse whipped a negro wench until her skirts hung in shreds because she had maligned and insulted a Southern lady, and then rushed for protection to these University buildings where was stationed a garrison of 100 Federal soldiers. I performed the pleasing duty in the immediate presence of the entire garrison."

As a result of this publication, a petition to change the town's name arose, and former mayor Jim Porto in 2016 asked the Board of Aldermen to rename the town. According to Alderwoman Jacquie Gist, "Changing Carrboro's name is not a realistic option". A name change would require legislative approval, and according to former mayor Mark Chilton, "You change it to something besides Carrboro, you're really asking to be interfered with by the state legislature, and it won't be for the best." In 2019, Carrboro erected a truth plaque, distancing the town from the values and actions of Julian Carr.

The Carrboro Board of Aldermen passed a resolution in 2017 calling for the removal of Silent Sam.

Geography
According to the US Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 16.8 sqkm, of which 16.7 sqkm is land and 0.08 sqkm is water.

Carrboro's 27510 zip code covers the town's core, and is an enclave surrounded on all sides by Chapel Hill's 27516 zip code, which also covers the outer areas of Carrboro.

Climate
Carrboro typically has a North American humid subtropical climate. Summer conditions are hot and humid, with daily average high temperatures of 85 °F and higher. Winter temperatures tend to remain above or well above freezing, though snowfall does happen and occasional snow and ice storms are not unusual. The average high temperature in July, the hottest month of the year, is 89 °F, and the average high temperature in January, the coldest month, is 49 °F. Average monthly precipitation ranges from 3.2 to 4.5 in, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during the summer months.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 21,295 people, 9,358 households, and 4,640 families residing in the town.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 19,582 people, 8,625 households, and 4,020 families residing in the town. The population density was 3,018.9 PD/sqmi. There were 9,258 housing units at an average density of 1,424.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 70.9% White, 10.1% African American, 0.4% Native American, 8.2% Asian, 0.004% Pacific Islander, 7.5% some other race, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 13.8% of the population.

There were 8,625 households, out of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them. 34.5% of all households were headed by married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 53.4% were non-families. 35.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 15.6% from 18 to 24, 36.1% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 5.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males.

Economy
Over the period 2008–2012, the median income for a household in the town was $45,159, and the median income for a family was $73,893. Males had a median income of $28,622 versus $26,198 for females. The per capita income for the town was $32,604. About 11.9% of families and 16.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.4% of those under age 18 and 11.4% of those age 65 or over.

Diversity

In the early 1990s, a sizable influx of Latino immigrants began moving to Carrboro, attracted by jobs in the building and service trades. The Hispanic population of Carrboro increased by 936% between 1990 and 2003, to 12% of the Carrboro population. As these immigrants settled in Carrboro, they brought the food and culture of their native countries to the town. Carrboro is now home to three Latino tiendas (grocery stores). Other businesses, including national grocery chains like Food Lion, adapted to the change in demographics by stocking a wider variety of Central and South American food products.

The Human Rights Center serves the Latinos, day laborers, Burmese and Karen populations. It petitioned the town government to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which it did in 2009.

As with neighboring Chapel Hill, affordable housing has become a pressing local issue.

Attractions
One of Carrboro's attractions is the Carrboro Farmer's Market, which features local organic produce, locally produced cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Created in 1977, the Market was one of the first in the area to link farmers directly with their customers. The Market requires that everything sold must be produced within a 50 mi radius of Carrboro. In addition to the Carrboro Farmers Market, the town eateries and specialty food shops have also garnered regional and national acclaim for their strong support of locally produced food. Carrboro is a favorite destination of UNC students for its relatively large number and diversity of restaurants. In 2005, Carrboro was named one of the 100 best art towns in America.

Two music venues that host national and regional acts are located in Carrboro. The ArtsCenter has featured nationally known roots music acts, such as David Lindley, Leon Russell, and Dr. John as well as internationally known artists including Richard Thompson and k.d. lang. The ArtsCenter also holds art classes, dance classes, and art exhibitions. It was founded 1974 and moved from Main Street to its new location on Roberson Street summer 2023. The Cat's Cradle, open for more than 50 years, hosts a diverse range of national and international musicians and performers like Nirvana, Public Enemy, John Mayer, Joan Baez, and Iggy Pop.

The 84-seat Dirty South Institute (DSI) Comedy Theater in Carrboro, opened in 2006, boasted a local company of 50+ active performers and a national network of comedians. It was the home of the DSI Comedy School, which offered classes to the public every month in the art of improv, stand-up and sketch comedy. Amid scandal, DSI Comedy Theater closed on August 28, 2017. The space re-opened a few months later as the PIT Chapel Hill, a branch of the Peoples Improv Theater founded by Ali Reza Farahnakian, a former “Saturday Night Live” writer and UNC alumnus.

The Carrboro Historic District, north of downtown, contains the distinctive architecture of the approximately 150 mill houses built by Lloyd and Carr for the mill workers at the Alberta Cotton Mill and their families. Many of these homes have since been razed, but numerous others have been restored; a number of these homes, centered on Shelton Street, are occupied by (particularly graduate) students at the nearby University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, however, increasing housing costs have resulted in a downwards trend in the student population of this area.

Annual cultural events
The town is known for the Carrboro Music Festival, a free all-day event which celebrates local music with over 150 acts performing at dozens of locations in the downtown area. The music festival began in 1998 as the Fête de la Musique, and was held on the summer solstice. In 2002, the name of the event was changed to the Carrboro Music Festival and, in order to increase attendance by avoiding the summer heat, moved to the fall. In 2013, the festival expanded to two days. Carrboro is also home to the annual West End Poetry Festival, which draws in a great selection of local poets.

In November, Carrboro hosts its annual film festival. The Carrboro Film Festival was started in 2006 by Carrboro Arts Committee members Jackie Helvey and Nic Beery, with support from Board of Aldermen and the Carrboro Recreation and Parks Department. The idea behind the Carrboro Film Festival is to promote local area shorts films that are twenty minutes or less. The first year, there were nearly 100 entires. From those, a day filled with fabulous films was created, and that tradition has continued over the years. In 2013, the festival expanded to two days, accepting submissions from across the entire state of North Carolina and beyond.

Carrboro has also had a yearly Pride Promenade, where a rainbow goat is escorted down to the town commons where food trucks, Drag shows and other events take place.

Libraries
Carrboro is home to two branches of the Orange County Public Library System: the Carrboro Branch Library and the Carrboro Cybrary. Carrboro Branch Library is located in McDougle Elementary and Middle School. Services include a medium-sized circulating collection of books, audiobooks, movies on DVD and VHS, and music CDs; computer and Internet access; magazines; and local and national newspapers. Carrboro Cybrary is located in the Century Center in downtown Carrboro. Services include a small circulating collection of contemporary fiction, nonfiction, audiobooks, and Spanish and English language learning materials; computer, Internet, and wireless access; magazines; and local and national newspapers. Orange County residents may access these services free of charge, and nonresidents may access the computers free of charge.

Sports
Carrboro is home to some of the originators of the modern hooping movement. In 2001, Vivian Spiral began hooping on the Weaver Street Market lawn during the weekly music events. Julia Hartsell joined her for the 2002 music season. Jonathan Baxter, founder of the HoopPath, also lives and teaches hooping in Carrboro. The first annual HoopPath Retreat was held Carrboro in 2007 and still happens there every year. The Hoop Convergence, started in 2008, is also held annually in Carrboro and the surrounding area. Synergy FlowArts, a manufacturer of hoops and other flow props, was formed in 2010.

Parks and recreation
Carrboro has 11 parks, from large community parks to small neighborhood parks and play areas. The 55 acre Henry Anderson Community Park contains multiple lighted baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, a large fenced dog park, a 2.4 acre fishing pond and other recreational facilities. The Adams Tract is a 27 acre urban forest area near the center of town that contains 1.25 mi of trails for walking and hiking. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park (10.2 acres) was planned with public input and opened in January 2020. It contains a multi-purpose field, community garden, bicycle pump track, play equipment, amphitheater, pavilions. Several neighborhood parks and other facilities provide multipurpose fields, playground equipment and restrooms. Athletic fields, meeting rooms, kitchen, and pavilions are available for reservation

Government

Carrboro operates under a council–manager form of government. The governing body of the town, the Town Council, consists of a mayor and six council members. The mayor, who is elected every two years, presides at all meetings of the Town Council and votes on all issues to the same extent as any other member of the council. The council members are elected for staggered terms of four years. All city elections, which are held in November of odd-numbered years, are at-large and nonpartisan and are decided by a simple plurality. Town operations are managed by the town manager, who is appointed by the Town Council.

Carrboro is in the 4th Congressional district of North Carolina and is represented by Valerie Foushee. At the state level, Carrboro is in Senate district 23 (represented by Graig R. Meyer) and House district 56 (represented by Rep. Allen Buansi).

Education
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools manages public primary and secondary education for more than 11,000 students in and around Carrboro and Chapel Hill. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public Schools consistently rank as number one in North Carolina in terms of graduation rate, test scores and percentage of college-bound seniors. Elementary school students in Carrboro attend Carrboro Elementary School, McDougle Elementary School, Morris Grove Elementary School, Frank Porter Graham Elementary School, or Seawell Elementary School. Middle school students in Carrboro attend Culbreth Middle School, McDougle Middle School, or Smith Middle School. High school students living in Carrboro attend either Carrboro High School or Chapel Hill High School.

Media
Carrboro is served, along with Chapel Hill, by WCHL Radio (1360 AM, 97.9 FM) and its associated website chapelboro.com. Both communities are also served by the Chapel Hill News, a subsidiary of the Raleigh News & Observer, and the student newspaper at the University of North Carolina, The Daily Tar Heel.

In June 2004, WCOM began broadcasting at 103.5 FM in Carrboro and is streamed live over the internet at wcomfm.org. WCOM is a low-power FM (LPFM) radio station entirely volunteer-run featuring locally produced music and community affairs programming.

The Carrboro Citizen was a locally owned community newspaper based in Carrboro. Launched in March 2007, the Citizen was published weekly (on Thursdays) and was distributed free throughout town and the surrounding area. In 2012, the Citizen's owners sought a new owner to continue publication, but a buyer was not found. Its 290th and final issue was published on October 4, 2012.

Notable people

 * Jonathan Byrd, singer-songwriter
 * Elizabeth 'Libba' Cotten, folk guitarist and author of "Freight Train"
 * Whammy Douglas, Major League Baseball player
 * Jesse Kalisher, photographer
 * Anne-Claire Niver, singer-songwriter
 * Dexter Romweber, singer-songwriter
 * Eliza McLamb, singer-songwriter

Nickname
Carrboro's nickname, "The Paris of the Piedmont," stems from a sardonic comment by John Martin, a reporter for the Chapel Hill Weekly. In 1970, Nyle Frank, now a musician but then a graduate student in political science at the nearby University of North Carolina, organized an alternative "Invisible University," and announced plans to have himself crowned as the institution's "King" in Carrboro. Martin commented, "I can see it now − The Paris of the Piedmont."

Sister cities
Carrboro has four sister cities:
 * 🇲🇽 Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico
 * 🇲🇽 Juventino Rosas, Guanajuato, Mexico
 * 🇳🇮 San Jorge, Nicaragua
 * 🇷🇺 Saratov, Russia

title: Carrboro, North Carolina


text:
Hillsborough, North Carolina

The town of Hillsborough is the county seat of Orange County, North Carolina, United States and is located along the Eno River. and a suburb of Durham. The population was 6,087 in 2010, but it grew rapidly to 9,660 by 2020.

Its name was unofficially shortened to "Hillsboro" during the 19th century. In the late 1960s, residents voted to change the name back to its original, historic spelling.

Native American history
Local Native American groups had lived in the Hillsborough area for thousands of years by the time Spanish explorers entered the region. The Great Indian Trading Path, used by generations of Native Americans, crossed the Eno River in this area. Historic Siouan-language tribes such as the Occaneechi and the Eno were living in the Hillsborough area at the time of European contact. The English explorer John Lawson recorded visiting "Occaneechi Town" here when he traveled through North Carolina in 1701. The tribes suffered high losses due to new infectious diseases and conflicts with settlers; most of the survivors were eventually pushed out of their territory by British and other European settlers.

English settlers developed Hillsborough at the site of the former Occaneechi village along the Eno River. In the early 18th century, the Occaneechi left Hillsborough for Virginia, though they returned to the area around 1780.

In the 1980s, an archaeological team from UNC-Chapel Hill excavated an historic Occaneechi farming village in this area. A replica of an Occaneechi village was built close to their original site of settlement near the Eno River.

Colonial period and Revolutionary War
Hillsborough was founded in 1754 and was first owned, surveyed, and mapped by William Churton (a surveyor for Earl Granville). Originally to be named Orange, it was first named Corbin Town (for Francis Corbin, a member of the governor's council and one of Granville's land agents). It was renamed in 1759 as Childsburgh (in honor of Thomas Child, the attorney general for North Carolina from 1751 to 1760 and another of Granville's land agents). It was not until 1766 that it was named Hillsborough, after Wills Hill, then the Earl of Hillsborough, the British secretary of state for the colonies, and a relative of royal Governor William Tryon.

Hillsborough was an early Piedmont colonial town where court was held, and was the scene of some pre-Revolutionary War tensions. In the late 1760s, tensions between Piedmont farmers and county officers arose in the Regulator movement, which had its strongest support in Hillsborough. With specie scarce, many inland farmers found themselves unable to pay their taxes and resented the consequent seizure of their property. Local sheriffs sometimes kept taxes for their own gain and sometimes charged twice for the same tax. Governor William Tryon's conspicuous consumption in the construction of a new governor's mansion at New Bern exacerbated the movement's resentment.

As the western districts were under-represented in the colonial legislature, farmers had difficulty gaining redress from the legislature. Ultimately, the frustrated farmers took to arms and closed the court in Hillsborough, dragging those they considered corrupt officials through the streets. Tryon and North Carolina militia troops marched to the region and defeated the Regulators at the Battle of Alamance in May 1771. Several trials were held after the war, resulting in the hanging of six Regulators at Hillsborough on June 19, 1771.

The North Carolina Provincial Congress met in Hillsborough from August 20 – September 10, 1775, at the outset of the American Revolution. The North Carolina General Assembly met here in 1778, 1782, and 1783. The town was also the site of the first North Carolina ratifying convention, which met July 21 – August 2, 1788, to deliberate and determine whether or not to ratify the Constitution recommended to the states by the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia the previous summer. With the hope of effecting the incorporation of a Bill of Rights into the frame of government, delegates voted (184–84) to neither ratify nor reject the Constitution. During the bicentennial celebration of the writing and ratification of the Constitution, a historical marker was placed at the site (now the Hillsborough Presbyterian Church) commemorating the convention.

William Hooper, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was buried in the Presbyterian Church cemetery in October 1790. However, his remains were later reinterred at Guilford Court House Military Battlefield. His original gravestone remains in the town cemetery.

Antebellum period and American Civil War
Robert and Margaret Anna (née Robertson) Burwell ran a girl's academy called the Burwell School from 1837 to 1857 in their home on Churton Street.

When the Civil War began, Hillsborough residents were reluctant to support secession, but many men went off to fight for the Confederacy. In March 1865, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston wintered just outside Hillsborough at the large Dickson home. In the early 1980s this house was moved downtown in order to preserve it from commercial development; it now serves as the Hillsborough Welcome Center. The main portion of the Confederate Army of Tennessee was encamped around Greensboro.

After sweeping through the South on his March to the Sea, Union General William T. Sherman camped in Raleigh. He offered an armistice to Johnston, who agreed to meet to discuss terms of surrender. Johnston, traveling east from Hillsborough, and Sherman, traveling west from Raleigh along the Hillsborough-Raleigh Road, met approximately halfway near present-day Durham (then Durham Station) at the home of James and Nancy Bennett. This farmhouse is now known as Bennett Place. The two generals met three times on April 17, 18, and finally on April 26, when they agreed on the final terms of surrender. Johnston surrendered 89,270 Southern troops who were still active in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. This was the largest surrender of troops during the war, and effectively ended the conflict.

Historic sites
There are numerous historical sites to visit in Hillsborough, including some dating to the late eighteenth century. More than 100 surviving late eighteenth and nineteenth-century structures help illustrate its history of prominence in the early period of the state.

In addition, numerous secondary buildings, bridges, mill sites and dams along the Eno River document the local history. Native American relics have been recovered from the sites of ancient villages thousands of years old.

Alexander Dickson House
The Hillsborough Visitors Center operates from this late-18th century Quaker-plan house. It was moved from its original location 1 mi southeast of Hillsborough to its present location in the historic district. The site includes an office used by Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston.

Old Orange County Courthouse
The Old Orange County Courthouse is an 1844 Greek-revival building designed and built by local builder John Berry. The courthouse is still used for county judicial business. The Hillsborough Clock located atop the town courthouse was a gift to the town from King George III made in Birmingham, England and given in 1766. It was first placed in the town church, then moved to the Market-House. Its weights were melted down near the end of the Revolutionary War and made into lead bullets to fight the British. In 1781, David Fanning and the Tories raided the town, seized the bell of the clock, and threw it into the Eno River, but it was fished out by the people at war's end, the clock was fixed, given new weights, and placed in the courthouse where it still works today over 250 years later. It is one of the five oldest functioning tower clocks in the USA today.

Ayr Mount
Ayr Mount is an 1815 Federal-era plantation house, restored and furnished with period antiques and fine art. The estate includes the 1 mi-long Poet's Walk.

Green Hill
Green Hill is a 1750 Federal-style plantation house.

The Inn at Teardrops
The name comes from the teardrop-shaped glass on the front doors and the molding around the eaves of the house. It was owned by Edmund Fanning until 1768, when he sold it to Thomas King, an inn keeper.

The main body of the present structure is probably King's old inn. Notable eighteenth-century owners include General Thomas Person, Peter Malett, William Duffy, and John Taylor, who was clerk of the Superior Court from 1800 to 1845.

In 1938, the J.W. Richmond family bought the property and renovated the house as a private residence. After additional renovations, Richmond adapted it as 'The Inn at Teardrops', a bed and breakfast.

Margaret Lane Cemetery
Margaret Lane Cemetery, sometimes called the Old Slave Cemetery, first appears in written records in 1885. It is believed that Peter Brown Ruffin, a landowner and employer to the west of Hillsborough, bought the two 1 acre lots that comprise the cemetery from the town in 1854 to use as a burial ground.

Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail
Occoneechee Speedway, just outside Hillsborough, was one of the first two NASCAR tracks to open in 1949. The track was made up of dirt. It is one of two tracks remaining from that inaugural season, Martinsville Speedway being the other. Today, the site has been preserved as a trail.

The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail (HOST) is a 3 mi-trail located on 44 acre at the site of the former Speedway. Bill France and the early founders of NASCAR bought land to build a 1 mi oval track at Hillsborough, but opposition from local religious leaders prevented the track from being built in the town. Instead, NASCAR officials moved their project to Alabama, where they built the large Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega.

Poplar Hill
A former plantation house once owned by Julian Carr named Poplar Hill is located in the town's historic district.

National Register of Historic Places
Numerous other properties in Hillsborough are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

They include the Bellevue Manufacturing Company, Burwell School, Cabe-Pratt-Harris House, Commandant's House, Eagle Lodge, Eno Cotton Mill, Faucett Mill and House, Hazel-Nash House, Heartsease, Holden-Roberts Farm, Jacob Jackson Farm, Montrose, Moorefields, Murphey School, Nash Law Office, Nash-Hooper House, Rigsbee's Rock House, Ruffin-Roulhac House, Sans Souci, St. Mary's Chapel, and St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and Churchyard. The Hillsborough Historic District is also listed on the NRHP.

Geography
Hillsborough is located along the Eno River. The town government has constructed the Riverwalk along the river—a paved, accessible, urban greenway that stretches approximately two miles, connecting the trail system in the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area to trails on the Ayr Mount property and the Occoneechee Speedway trail. The Riverwalk is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 4.6 sqmi, of which 4.6 sqmi  is land and 0.22% is water.

The architecture of nearby Duke University incorporates the stone from the local Hillsborough Quarry. Now sometimes referred to as the Duke Stone, it is included in the design of almost every building on Duke University West Campus which was originally designed by architect Julian Abele.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,660 people, 2,739 households, and 1,668 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,446 people, 2,101 households, and 1,428 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,188.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,329 housing units at an average density of 508.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 60.26% White, 34.83% African American, 0.51% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 1.62% from other races, and 2.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.79% of the population.

There were 2,101 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were married couples living together, 20.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.0% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $40,111, and the median income for a family was $46,793. Males had a median income of $36,636 versus $29,052 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,818. About 11.0% of families and 12.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.1% of those under age 18 and 16.6% of those age 65 or over.

Art galleries and museums

 * Eno Gallery - Contemporary Fine Art Gallery.
 * Hillsborough Gallery of Arts - Artists cooperative gallery.
 * Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery
 * Orange County Historical Museum - Chartered in 1956 to preserve and interpret the history of Hillsborough and Orange County.

Hillsborough is also home to the internationally recognized arts nonprofit organisation, the Music Maker Relief Foundation

Education
Hillsborough is part of the Orange County School District, which includes River Park Elementary, Efland Cheeks Elementary, Grady A. Brown Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Pathways Elementary, Central Elementary and Hillsborough Elementary Schools (K-5), A.L. Stanback Middle School, Orange Middle School, Gravelly Hill Middle School, Cedar Ridge High School, and Orange High School. Hillsborough is also home to charter schools Eno River Academy (K-12) and The Expedition School (K-8), as well as alternative school Partnership Academy (9-12). Durham Technical Community College also has an Orange County campus in Hillsborough.

Notable people
For its size, Hillsborough has a high concentration of residents who are nationally known artists and authors, including Lee Smith, Jill McCorkle, Allan Gurganus, Michael Malone, Annie Dillard, Hal Crowther, Frances Mayes, and David Payne.

 * George B. Anderson (1831–1862), Civil War Confederate general, killed at the Battle of Antietam
 * Thomas Hart Benton (1782–1858), U.S. Missouri Senator known as "Old Bullion" was born near Hillsborough. One of the early champions of westward expansion that would become known as Manifest Destiny.
 * Armistead Burwell (1839–1913), associate justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court from 1892 to 1894
 * Kizzmekia Corbett (born 1986), Senior Research Fellow and Scientific Lead on the Coronavirus Vaccines & Immunopathogenesis Team at the National Institutes of Health
 * Margaret Mordecai Jones Cruikshank (1878–1955), first female president of St. Mary's Junior College
 * Annie Dillard (born 1945), author
 * Allan Gurganus (born 1947), author of Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All
 * William Hooper (1742–1790), lawyer and politician who signed the United States Declaration of Independence for North Carolina
 * Michelle Jin (born 1974), professional bodybuilder
 * Elizabeth Keckley (1818–1907), dressmaker and confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln and enslaved in the Burwell Household
 * Michael Malone, Edgar Award-winning novelist and Daytime Emmy Award-winning soap opera writer
 * Doug Marlette (1949–2007), cartoonist and author, maintained a home in Hillsborough and was buried there
 * Elizabeth Matheson (born 1942), photographer
 * Frances Mayes (born 1940), author
 * Logan Pause (born 1981), soccer player
 * Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, business executive
 * Connie Ray (born 1956), actress
 * Scott Satterfield (born 1972), head football coach at University of Louisville
 * Lee Smith (born 1944), author
 * Billy Strayhorn (1915–1967), jazz composer, pianist and arranger
 * Shepperd Strudwick (1907–1983), actor
 * Bryse Wilson (born 1997), Major League Baseball pitcher
 * Trenton Gill (born 1999), NFL punter for the Chicago Bears
 * Ronnie Warner (born 1965), Actor, writer,director, film producer

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Hillsborough, North Carolina


text:
Alliance, North Carolina

Alliance is a town in Pamlico County, North Carolina, United States. Its name is derived from the Farmers Alliance Movement from around 1874, two years after Pamlico was founded. Alliance was incorporated in 1965. The majority of land in Alliance is farmland. The population was 776 at the 2010 census. It is part of the New Bern, North Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.0 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 733 people, 340 households, and 216 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 781 people, 288 households, and 201 families residing in the town. The population density was 389.5 PD/sqmi. There were 304 housing units at an average density of 151.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 79.64% White, 17.67% African American, 1.15% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.26% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.77% of the population.

There were 288 households, out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.2% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 24.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $26,719, and the median income for a family was $35,250. Males had a median income of $33,125 versus $22,438 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,951. About 12.1% of families and 17.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.4% of those under age 18 and 16.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Alliance, North Carolina


text:
Arapahoe, North Carolina

Arapahoe is a town in Pamlico County, North Carolina,  United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 556. Arapahoe shares many of its roles and duties with Minnesott Beach, North Carolina. It is part of the New Bern, North Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Arapahoe was founded a few years after New Bern, North Carolina by settlers leaving the New Bern colony. This area was settled in 1703 on the old Indian trail from the big bend in the river heading west to Core Point. The community was called “Bethany Crossroads”. That Indian trail is still in use today but is now called North Carolina Highway 306. In 1886 Bob Hardison, after discussing it with his friend Bob Bowden decided to apply to the U.S. Postal Department for a Post office to be located at “Bethany Crossroads” in Pamlico County. They filled out an application and both signed it. When it was returned to them it was addressed to “Bob’s Town”, the reason being that there was already a “Bethany Crossroads” in the vicinity of Fayetteville. Neither of the Bobs liked “Bob’s Town” so they had to come up with a different name. After a lengthy discussion Bob Hardison said “Well if you have no objection, we will name it after my old white horse, Arapahoe.” So it was decided and a new application filed. It was likely a year or longer before all paperwork was completed, but “Bethany Crossroads” was no more and there by named the Town of Arapahoe. Arapahoe is a Native American tribe whose historic territory spanned regions of present-day Wyoming and Colorado.

Government
Arapahoe government is headed by the mayor of the town. Along with the mayor, there are several town commissioners, a planning board, and a volunteer fire department. The mayor and commissioners are elected to two year terms. The town hall is a small building located along the main street in Arapahoe, NC Highway 306.

Education
Public Education Arapahoe has education opportunities available for children grades Kindergarten through High School. Arapahoe Charter School was opened in 1997 to replace Arapahoe Elementary School. There are currently 560 students enrolled, with 40 teachers available. Arapahoe Charter School has a student:teacher ratio of 14:1.

Arapahoe Charter School is currently a K-12 school housed in a new $9 million facility opening for the 2018-19 school year.

Arapahoe is also home to the Don Lee Center, a Methodist founded center for camping and recreation as well as for renowned public environmental education.

Higher Education For Higher Education, Pamlico Community College (PCC) allows for associate degrees in many areas. From PCC, one can transfer to East Carolina University to complete a bachelors and graduates degree. PCC is located only minutes from Arapahoe along NC Highway 306.

Media
The Pamlico News (http://www.thepamliconews.com) Pamlico Ink: The Newspaper of the Pamlico Sound

Business
Arapahoe is the home of several small businesses. The largest industry in Arapahoe is agriculture. Other businesses include seafood management, home improvement, florist, food service, and other service industries. Another industry that appears to be growing in the Arapahoe area is bio-diesel production.

Another large business located in the Arapahoe area is summer camps. Within the Arapahoe area, there are four camps: Camp Sea Gull for boys (YMCA affiliated), Camp Seafarer for girls (YMCA affiliated), Camp Don Lee (Methodist), and Camp Caroline. Most of these camps have their largest programs in the summer months, but also hold other events throughout the year. For example, Camp Seafarer and Camp Seagull offer a Spring Break camp, Mother-Daughter weekends, and Father-Son weekends among others.

Opportunities for businesses in Arapahoe are plentiful. Business not currently available include the hotel industry, entertainment services, gas stations/convenience stores, and several others. As stated in an article from New Bern's Sun Journal, the hotel business opportunities lost from Arapahoe (and subsequently relished by New Bern) can be equated to millions of dollars during the camp season due to the high proportion of camp families, events, and visitors to the recreational opportunities.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.2 sqmi, all land.

Arapahoe is located near the mouth of the Neuse River at Pamlico Sound. From Arapahoe (and through Minnesott Beach), the North Carolina Ferry System has a 20-minute ferry ride from Minnesott Beach to Cherry Branch. This ferry ride leads to Havelock, Atlantic Beach, Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, and Beaufort.

Transportation
The major means for transportation in Arapahoe is by car. There are currently no taxi service, mass transportation, or airline service within the Araphoe geographic district. The closest airport to Arapahoe is Craven Regional Airport, serviced by American Airlines with eight times daily service to Charlotte. Delta Connection has service to Atlanta with twice daily service (three times daily summer service). Ferry service is also available from the North Carolina Ferry System with service from Minnesott Beach to Cherry Branch / Havelock every 20 minutes.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 436 people, 188 households, and 128 families residing in the town. The population density was 199.4 PD/sqmi. There were 214 housing units at an average density of 97.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 89.91% White, 6.19% African American, 0.23% Native American, 1.15% Asian, 2.52% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.50% of the population.

There were 188 households, out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 20.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 31.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $32,813, and the median income for a family was $44,167. Males had a median income of $38,750 versus $25,179 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,073. About 7.6% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.0% of those under age 18 and 1.7% of those age 65 or over. Arapahoe currently has a tax rate of $0.05/$100.

New developments
New Developments in Arapahoe include the following:
 * 1) Shareheart Community developments along the Neuse River and Dawsons Creek. These developments are private, small communities built on the comforts that the Neuse River can provide.
 * 2) A new housing community located at Dawson's Creek called Shine Landing. This development contains 96 lots with several being waterfront. This development is currently selling and nearly sold out.
 * 3) A new housing community located at Dawson's Creek called Dawsons Landing. This development is currently in pre-sale with over 100 lots available.
 * 4) A new housing community located on Hwy 306S in Arapahoe. The development, called Arlington Place, is located on the Burts Farm Development and will contain as many as 1200 homes, boat docks, and a community center. Currently Phase 1 of Arlington Place has been sold to the 80% mark.
 * 5) A water path has been developed for kayakers and paddlers to traverse the rivers, streams, and sounds of Pamlico County. Pamlico Paddle recently announced a fall event on October 20, 2007, where paddlers enjoy the paddle paths around Pamlico County.  During the 2005 event, over 75 paddlers joined the event.
 * 6) A Medical and Retail center is being developed at the old Arapahoe Elementary School building.
 * 7) Other current developments include a gas/convenience store and a hotel in Minnesott Beach.
 * 8) A new residential community located on Baird Creek (also known as Beards Creek) called Baird Creek Point. This development has approximately 40 home sites including waterfront and interior lots, a ten slip community marina and a community center.  Most waterfront lots are currently sold.
 * 9) The largest of developments in the area is called Dawson Creek Subdivision with over 200 lots sold with many waterfront lots under construction. The development has a pool, clubhouse as well as plans for a private members dock and launch ramp in the future.

title: Arapahoe, North Carolina


text:
Bayboro, North Carolina

Bayboro is a town in Pamlico County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,161 at the 2020 U.S. census. It is the county seat of Pamlico County.

Bayboro is part of the New Bern Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Bayboro received the most rain of any American town during Hurricane Irene in 2011, at 15.74 inches.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.5 sqmi, of which 1.5 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi  (1.34%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,161 people, 272 households, and 162 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 741 people, 301 households, and 198 families residing in the town. The population density was 502.6 PD/sqmi. There were 340 housing units at an average density of 230.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 46.69% White, 51.15% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.94% from other races, and 0.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.48% of the population.

There were 301 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.5% were married couples living together, 24.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.9% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $26,563, and the median income for a family was $35,769. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $19,196 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,709. About 22.3% of families and 28.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 48.3% of those under age 18 and 17.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable residents

 * W. T. Caho, lawyer, fisheries official, and state senator

title: Bayboro, North Carolina


text:
Mesic, North Carolina

Mesic is a town in Pamlico County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 220 at the 2010 census. It is part of the New Bern, North Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, of which 1.1 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi  (9.32%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 257 people, 106 households, and 78 families residing in the town. The population density was 240.3 PD/sqmi. There were 146 housing units at an average density of 136.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 29.57% White, 68.48% African American, 0.78% Asian, and 1.17% from two or more races.

There were 106 households, out of which 20.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 15.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 18.7% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 25.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $27,188, and the median income for a family was $31,250. Males had a median income of $27,250 versus $14,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,253. About 14.7% of families and 27.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 50.8% of those under the age of eighteen and 14.9% of those 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Doug Smith - (born June 13, 1960, in Mesic, North Carolina) is a former National Football League defensive tackle who played eight seasons for the Houston Oilers. He also played for the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL.

title: Mesic, North Carolina


text:
Minnesott Beach, North Carolina

Minnesott Beach is a town in Pamlico County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 440 at the 2010 census. It is part of the New Bern, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.5 sqmi, of which 1.5 sqmi is land and 0.65% is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 311 people, 151 households, and 109 families residing in the town. The population density was 203.5 /mi2. There were 230 housing units at an average density of 150.5 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 95.50% White, 3.54% African American, 0.64% Asian, and 0.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.96% of the population.

There were 151 households, out of which 13.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.9% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.06 and the average family size was 2.42.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 11.9% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 17.7% from 25 to 44, 37.9% from 45 to 64, and 28.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $54,583, and the median income for a family was $60,250. Males had a median income of $43,125 versus $34,583 for females. The per capita income for the town was $27,259. About 0.9% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.2% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Minnesott Beach, North Carolina


text:
Oriental, North Carolina

Oriental is one of nine incorporated municipalities in Pamlico County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 880, according to the 2020 census. It is part of the New Bern Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The area was settled by Native Americans, who fished and farmed in the creeks and river long before Europeans arrived. Land records date grants from the King of England to colonial farmers, although the King didn't actually own the land, and several current residents of the area can trace their family's genealogy to these times. The area was the haunt of pirates in the early days of European dominance. The famous pirate Edward Teach, or Blackbeard made his home in Bath, to the north of Oriental. The Midgettes (also Midyettes) and other old families who still have descendants in the town came much later, in the late 19th century.

The town of Oriental was named after the Sailing Steamer Oriental. Built in Philadelphia in 1861, the ship was used as a Federal transport ship in the Civil War. She met her fate a year after being launched, run aground in May 1862, when she was wrecked off Bodie Island, 33 miles north of Cape Hatteras. Her passengers and crew were saved.

The United States Post Office Department established a post office in 1886 in what had been called Smith's Creek. Lou Midyette was named postmaster. Postmaster Midyette's wife, Rebecca, thought the village needed a better name. One story says that she had found the nameplate from the wrecked sailing steamer "Oriental" on the beaches of the Outer Banks and thought that name was more suitable. Another version of the story says she just saw the nameplate in a Manteo home. Either way the name "Oriental" made an impression on her. The village became known as Oriental a few years after the post office was established and was incorporated in 1899.

From the early 20th century, Oriental's economy was supported by lumber, fishing and farming. Train service stopped in the 1950s. The last sawmill closed in the early 1960s. Fishing, agriculture, some tourism and marine related businesses now lead the local economy. The town gained national publicity in 2016 when WalMart closed the only food store in town. Fishing trawlers still grace the small harbor, bringing in a catch of shrimp, crab or perhaps flounder depending on the season.

Local destinations
The nameplate of the city's namesake Sailing Steamer Oriental has been lost, but a porthole from the ship is in the Oriental History Museum. The Oriental History Museum offers enlightening displays of Oriental's early years. The Museum and the Oriental Tourism Board have combined to develop a 1.2-mile historical walking tour covering thirty-seven sites.

Two local festivals attract visitors. The Spirit of Christmas, always held in early December, consists of local businesses holding open houses with hot cider and treats, while the local churches hold Nativity plays and host Christmas music concerts. There is sometimes a boat parade in the harbor, where locals decorate their yachts with Christmas lights. The second large town festival, The Croaker Festival, is an arts and vendor event which benefits the county's nonprofits. It culminates in a fireworks display held during the first weekend each July. In addition, the Oriental Rotary Club sponsors an annual catch-and-release tarpon fishing tournament the last weekend in July (2008 was the 16th year) and, on New Year's Eve, the Oriental dragon makes a run through town twice (at 8 p.m. and at midnight). The Oriental Cup Regatta is held the third Saturday of September, and there are boat races most Saturdays from May through September, and very informal ones most Wednesdays, too. Oriental hosts a Celebration of the Arts festival in mid-September, and has other art festivals throughout the year. The Town sponsors free evening concerts once each summer month which have been well attending by county residents and visitors from neighboring Craven and Carteret counties. The Oriental Tourism Board actively promotes weddings in Oriental and has published a Website that lists venues and service providers.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.4 sqmi, of which 1.1 sqmi is land and 0.2 sqmi  (16.79%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 880 people, 522 households, and 284 families residing in the town.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 900 people in Oriental and 13,074 in Pamlico County. Oriental had 477 households in the last census.

Notable person

 * Kevin Williamson – creator of Scream and Dawson's Creek

title: Oriental, North Carolina


text:
Stonewall, North Carolina

Stonewall is a town in Pamlico County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 281 at the 2010 census. It is part of the New Bern, North Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.0 sqmi, of which 1.7 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi (17.65%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 285 people, 118 households, and 80 families residing in the town. The population density was 169.5 /mi2. There were 133 housing units at an average density of 79.1 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 74.39% White, 22.11% African American, 0.70% Asian, 0.70% from other races, and 2.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.05% of the population.

There were 118 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 31.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $30,000, and the median income for a family was $45,000. Males had a median income of $28,625 versus $17,143 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,425. About 4.2% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 8.3% of those 65 or over.

title: Stonewall, North Carolina


text:
Vandemere, North Carolina

Vandemere is a town in Pamlico County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 254. It is part of the New Bern, North Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.6 sqmi, of which 1.5 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (7.41%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 246 people, 102 households, and 70 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 289 people, 123 households, and 78 families residing in the town. The population density was 192.7 /mi2. There were 153 housing units at an average density of 102.0 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 46.37% White, 52.94% African American, 0.35% Native American, and 0.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.

There were 123 households, out of which 21.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.5% were married couples living together, 17.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 35.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 21.5% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $32,917, and the median income for a family was $40,556. Males had a median income of $26,250 versus $19,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,570. About 11.6% of families and 21.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 35.2% of those 65 or over.

History
Vandemere is situated on a point where Vandemere Creek flows into the Bay River. It was incorporated in 1874 and was the county seat from 1872 (when Pamlico County was formed) to 1876.

Many of the descendants of the first colonists in North Carolina are still living in Vandemere today and many of the names live on, both in the names of the people and the places.

In 1699, a treaty was forged between the English Crown and the "Bay River Indians". Early settlers came from England, but there are also reports of French Huguenots and others including Dutch and Flemish.

By the 18th century, there are written records of some European habitation in the Vandemere area. Records show that there was a Native American people who lived "at the head of Vandemore's Creek." These early records show various spellings of the name of Vandemere, most showing Dutch or Flemish origin.

As early as 1679, there are records showing a "Tho. Vandermoller" being witness to a will, and in 1882 a land grant record that refers to ""Jno. Vandemore."

Recent events
On August 27, 2011, there was a devastating flood caused by Hurricane Irene, demolishing just over 100 homes. Local contractors aided the attempt to repair, and in some cases, even build new houses. Officials have upped the standards on flood regulations, requiring such items as higher outlets and raised houses.

title: Vandemere, North Carolina


text:
Atkinson, North Carolina

Atkinson is a town in Pender County, North Carolina, United States. At the 2010 census, the town population was 299. It is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town was incorporated in 1909.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.0 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 236 people, 106 households, and 71 families residing in the town. The population density was 238.5 PD/sqmi. There were 117 housing units at an average density of 118.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 89.41% White and 10.59% African American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.12% of the population.

There were 106 households, out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $34,375, and the median income for a family was $45,417. Males had a median income of $30,417 versus $22,813 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,135. About 4.6% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.7% of those under the age of eighteen and 10.5% of those 65 or over.

title: Atkinson, North Carolina


text:
Burgaw, North Carolina

Burgaw is a town in and the county seat of Pender County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 3,088 at the 2020 census.

Burgaw is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The town most likely derives its name from nearby Burgaw Creek.

The Bannerman House, Burgaw Depot, Burgaw Historic District, and Pender County Courthouse are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.5 sqmi, of which 3.4 square miles (8.9 km2) is land and 0.29% is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,088 people, 1,249 households, and 682 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,337 people, 954 households, and 649 families residing in the town. The population density was 971.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,051 housing units at an average density of 306.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 51.21% White, 44.89% African American, 0.69% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 2.10% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.50% of the population.

There were 954 households, out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were married couples living together, 22.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 18.8% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 34.0% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 128.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 137.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $28,819, and the median income for a family was $36,813. Males had a median income of $29,750 versus $21,792 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,831. About 13.0% of families and 19.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.1% of those under age 18 and 20.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Burgaw, North Carolina


text:
St. Helena, North Carolina

St. Helena or Saint Helena is a village in Pender County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 389 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 5.7 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 395 people, 162 households, and 116 families residing in the village. The population density was 69.9 PD/sqmi. There were 175 housing units at an average density of 31.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 69.37% White, 29.87% African American, 0.25% from other races, and 0.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.76% of the population.

There were 162 households, out of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.7% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.8% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,042, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $30,417 versus $19,545 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,040. About 5.7% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 24.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: St. Helena, North Carolina


text:
Topsail Beach, North Carolina

Topsail Beach is a town in Pender County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 383 at the 2012 census. It is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Local folklore claims the name, Topsail (pronounced Tops’l), originated during the 1700s when pirate ships, including Blackbeard, roamed the coastal waters. Historians explain that marauding pirates hid their ships in the channel behind the island and waited for passing merchant ships loaded with goods. The pirates would pursue and attack the merchants, claiming the cargoes as their own. Eventually, the merchants became aware of this infamous hiding place and began to watch for the tops of the pirates' sails showing over the rolling dunes - hence the name Topsail Island.

Prior to World War II, the only access to Topsail Island was by boat. Area residents frequently made this short trip to picnic and search for the pirate Blackbeard's rumored buried treasure.

During World War II, the U.S. Navy took over the island and began a joint venture with Johns Hopkins University known as Operation Bumblebee. The waterway was dredged, roads were built, and fresh water was piped onto the island. Operation Bumblebee was the beginning of the space program for the United States Government. An arsenal center for the assembly and storage of rockets was built on the sound side of the island, and launching pads were constructed on the oceanfront. Concrete observation towers were built throughout the island to monitor the experimental launchings. Over 200 rocket launchings took place on the island between 1946 and 1948. When the testing program was dismantled, the government sold the island to the public. The Town of Topsail Beach was incorporated in 1963. Many of the original military structures still exist today, and several of the concrete observation towers have since been converted into private residences and places of business.

The Cape Fear Civil War Shipwreck Discontiguous District, US Naval Ordnance Testing Facility Assembly Building, US Naval Ordnance Testing Facility Control Tower, and US Naval Ordnance Testing Facility Observation Tower No. 2 are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Recreation
Missiles and More Museum: The Missiles and More Museum is housed in the Historical Assembly Building located at 720 Channel Blvd in Topsail Beach. The Museum is home to exhibits such as Pirates of the Carolinas, Operation Bumblebee, Camp Davis, The Towns of Topsail Island, Topsail's Natural Beauty and Fragility, Traces of Native Americans on the Island and an International Shell Exhibit. On April 4, 2011, the WASP (Women's Air-force Service Pilots) exhibit was opened. This exhibit tells the story of the first women trained to fly American military aircraft.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.8 sqmi, of which 4.4 square miles (11.3 km$2$) is land and 1.5 sqmi (25.30%) is water.

It is the southernmost town on Topsail Island.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 461 people, 202 households, and 131 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 471 people, 252 households, and 159 families residing in the town. The population density was 107.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,149 housing units at an average density of 262.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.36% White, 0.21% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.21% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.42% of the population.

There were 252 households, out of which 9.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 2.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.87 and the average family size was 2.26.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 7.0% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 17.6% from 25 to 44, 44.2% from 45 to 64, and 26.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 56 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.8 males.

The average income for a household in the town is $55,750, and the median income for a family was $64,167. Males had a median income of $45,313 versus $25,139 for females. The per capita income for the town was $35,838. About 0.8% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Topsail Beach, North Carolina


text:
Watha, North Carolina

Watha is a town in Pender County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 190 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.9 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 151 people, 65 households, and 44 families residing in the town. The population density was 165.6 PD/sqmi. There were 71 housing units at an average density of 77.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 90.07% White, 8.61% African American, 0.66% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.66% of the population.

There were 65 households, out of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 17.9% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 21.2% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $37,500, and the median income for a family was $45,625. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $17,083 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,654. There were 7.7% of families and 9.8% of the population living below the poverty line, including 12.0% of under eighteens and 18.2% of those over 64.

title: Watha, North Carolina


text:
Hertford, North Carolina

Hertford is a town and the county seat of Perquimans County, North Carolina, United States. The current population of Hertford, North Carolina is 1,912 based on the 2020 census. The US Census estimates the 2021 population at 1,925. The last official US Census in 2010 recorded the population at 2,143. Hertford is located in North Carolina's Inner Banks region and is part of both the Elizabeth City Micropolitan Statistical Area and the Hampton Roads region. It is named after the county town of Hertford, England.

History
Hertford was originally incorporated in 1758 as the county seat for Perquimans County, first inhabited by the Yeopim Indians. County records show that the Yeopim chief Kalcacenin sold land to George Durant at the river mouth in March 1662, adjacent to land he had already sold to Samuel Pricklove. The area was settled soon afterward, and a brick house on the site, the Newbold-White House, has been dated by dendrochronology to 1730; it is the oldest known brick structure in the state.

Through the first part of the 20th century, Hertford thrived as a lumber town, making good use of the nearby river. The bridge that spanned the river was a floating bridge, made of steel and wood. When a boat came near and wanted passage, the bridge would be unhooked from one bank and allowed to float out of the way. When the boat had passed, lines were used to haul the free end of the bridge in and reconnect it. An swing bridge with S-shaped approaches is in use today.

Hertford is the hometown of baseball pitcher Catfish Hunter. Disc jockey Wolfman Jack is buried in nearby Belvidere, and the record company he started is still located in Hertford.

The Church of the Holy Trinity, Cove Grove, Fletcher-Skinner-Nixon House and Outbuildings, Hertford Historic District, Land's End, Newbold-White House, Samuel Nixon House, Old Neck Historic District, Perquimans County Courthouse, and Sutton-Newby House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.7 sqmi, of which, 2.7 sqmi of it is land and 0.04 sqmi of it (0.74%) is water.

Hertford is about 125 mi northeast of Raleigh and about 47 mi southwest of Norfolk.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,934 people, 1,045 households, and 612 families residing in the town.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,143 people, 875 households, 553 families, and 1,062 housing units residing in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 48.1% African American, 46.5% white, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Native American, 3.5% some other race, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic Latino of any race were 4.8% of the population.

There were 875 households, out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.9% were married couples living together, 25.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families. 32.8% of all households had individuals under 18 and 31% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.7% with an age of 19 or younger, 13.7% in their twenties, 14.8% from 30 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.0 males.

In 2008, the median income for a household in the town was $19,681, and the median income for a family was $24,524. Males had a median income of $24,803 versus $17,938 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,502. About 33.6% of families and 39.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 56.6% of those under age 18 and 21.0% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Hertford is served by U.S. Route 17 (US 17) which connects the town with Edenton to the south and Elizabeth City to the north. A business route of US 17 also exists, which connects Hertford to the neighboring town of Winfall and crosses over the Perquimans River on the "S-Bridge."

North Carolina Highway 37 also travels through Hertford, concurrent with US 17.

Local public bus transportation is provided by the Inter-County Public Transportation Authority (ICPTA), with service to Pasquotank, Perquimans, Camden, Chowan, and Currituck counties.

Education

 * Perquimans County Schools
 * Hertford Grammar School, serving grades 3–5
 * Perquimans County High School, serving grades 9–12

Grades PK–2 and 6–8 are served by the county schools located in Winfall.

Industry
Agriculture is the chief industry of the area.

Notable people

 * Beulah Burke, one of the original founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority
 * Lillie Burke, one of the original founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha and sister of Beulah Burke
 * Edward "Little Buster" Forehand, soul and blues musician
 * Jim "Catfish" Hunter, former MLB pitcher, 8x All-Star selection and 5x World Series champion, member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame
 * Abe Manley, sports executive
 * Harry Skinner, U.S. Representative from North Carolina
 * Louise Nixon Sutton, mathematician

title: Hertford, North Carolina


text:
Winfall, North Carolina

Winfall is a town in Perquimans County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 554 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Elizabeth City, North Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The Winfall Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Geography
Winfall (along with Hertford) is considered to be on the southwesternmost fringe of the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area, and many local residents commute frequently to and from the Seven Cities region for work, shopping, and leisure.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.2 sqmi, of which 2.1 sqmi is land and 0.47% is water. It is located strategically upon the Perquimans River.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 555 people, 322 households, and 203 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 554 people, 234 households, and 153 families residing in the town. The population density was 259.0 PD/sqmi. There were 276 housing units at an average density of 129.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 61.73% White, 37.73% African American, and 0.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.54% of the population.

There were 234 households, out of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.2% were non-families. 30.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.9% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 22.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $27,386, and the median income for a family was $30,417. Males had a median income of $27,083 versus $17,875 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,587. About 12.6% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.4% of those under age 18 and 18.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Winfall, North Carolina


text:
Roxboro, North Carolina

Roxboro is a city and the county seat of Person County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The population was 8,134 at the 2020 census. The city is 30 mi north of Durham and is a part of the four-county Durham–Chapel Hill Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 649,903 as of the 2020 Census. The Durham–Chapel Hill MSA is a part of the larger Raleigh–Durham–Cary Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 2,043,867 as of the 2020 Census.

History
Roxboro is named after a town in Scotland; Roxburgh. Although spelled differently, they are pronounced the same. Prior to the official adoption of the name Roxboro, the community was known as "Mocassin Gap". The city of Roxboro was incorporated on January 9, 1855, and remains the only municipality in Person County.

The Holloway-Jones-Day House, House on Wagstaff Farm, James A. and Laura Thompson Long House, Merritt-Winstead House, Person County Courthouse, Roxboro Commercial Historic District, Roxboro Cotton Mill, and Roxboro Male Academy and Methodist Parsonage are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

On July 7, 1920, Red Roach was lynched in downtown Roxboro.

On August 15, 1941, a mob of 500 attempted to lynch Cy Winstead, a 22-year-old black man, who was accused of raping a white woman and was being held at the Person county court house. The mob was held off with tear gas by local authorities led by Sheriff M. T. Clayton until Winstead could be safely transferred to the state prison in Raleigh. No injuries were reported. Ten men were indicted for the attempted lynching on October 16, 1941, on misdemeanor charges for "unlawful assembly for unlawful purpose".

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.03 sqmi, of which 7.03 sqmi is land and 0.16% is water.

Climate
Roxboro has a moderate subtropical climate, with mild weather in the spring, fall, and winter. However, summers can be hot and humid. Winter temperatures generally range from highs in the low 50s°F (10-13 °C) to lows in the upper 20s-mid 30s°F (-2 to 2 °C), though 60 °F degree weather is not uncommon. The record low was -9 °F in January 1985. Spring and fall days are usually in the low to mid 70s°F (low 20s°C), with nights in the 50s°F (10-14 °C). Summer days are often in the upper 80s and low 90s °F (30-35 °C,) with very high humidity. The record high was 104 °F in July 1966. The rainiest months are July and September.

Roxboro receives an average of 7.2 in of snow per winter. Freezing rain and sleet occur most winters, and occasionally the area experiences a major, damaging ice storm. Roxboro is often dubbed the "Snow Capital of the Triangle" because it often receives the most or close to the most snow during snowstorms in central North Carolina due to its high elevation.

City Council
Mayor and City Council members are elected to four-year terms on a non-partisan, at-large basis.

Businesses
Roxboro businesses include LED lighting, law firms, electrical, textile, manufacturing, aerodynamics, administrative, winery, brokering, food processing, automotive, tobacco agriculture, aluminum and paper products. Roxboro is also adjacent to North Carolina's Research Triangle region, home to numerous high-tech companies and enterprises.

Largest employers:
 * Duke Energy
 * Eaton Corporation
 * Georgia-Pacific Corporation
 * GKN Driveline
 * Person County Schools
 * Person Memorial Hospital. Affiliated with the Duke University Health System
 * Polywood

Other businesses:
 * Boise Cascade
 * CenterEdge Software
 * CertainTeed
 * Louisiana-Pacific Corporation

Healthcare

 * Person Memorial Hospital. Affiliated with the Duke University Health System
 * Roxboro MedAccess
 * Person County Medical and Dental

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 8,134 people, 3,348 households, and 1,739 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010 there were 8,362 people, 3,479 households, and 1,979 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,296.2 /mi2. There were 4,044 housing units at an average density of 630.8 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 44.9% White, 46.8% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.59% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 8.7% of the population. (This reporting does not take into account the massive annual influx of Hispanic migrant labor.)

There were 3,479 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.2% were married couples living together, 22.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.8% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the city the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.1 years. For every 100 females there were 81.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,918 and the median income for a family was $42,559. Males had a median income of $27,741 versus $23,245 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,824. About 13.4% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.6% of those under age 18 and 14.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
See Person County, North Carolina.
 * Piedmont Community College

Museum

 * Person County Museum of History – The museum complex includes seven historic buildings with exhibits in each: the Kitchin Home, Woodsdale General Store, Dr. John H. Merrit’s office, The Male Academy/Parsonage, a Subscription School and a tobacco/pack barn, and the Curtis E. Long Memorial House.

Entertainment

 * Roxboro Motorsports Dragway – An IHRA sanctioned, 1/8 mile concrete dragstrip opened in 1960. Car, truck and bike events are the norm during the spring, summer and fall.
 * Rock Sportsplex – Features five baseball fields and a batting cage.

Farmers market

 * Person County Farmers Market – Locally grown produce and goods. Located in the business district.
 * Roxboro Farmers Market on Depot Street – Fresh produce and other goods. Located in Uptown Roxboro.

Festivals

 * Personality – A two-day festival is held in October. Brings thousands to uptown. It includes street dancing, games, music, booths, food and rides.
 * Lake Mayo Canoe/Kayak Festival – This one-day event is for paddlers and spectators alike. It is celebrated each spring on Lake Mayo.
 * Willow Oak Blue Grass Festival – Held in June and September of each year, this park setting is the home of national, regional, and local blue grass bands. The site includes camping, food, and concessions.
 * Curam Fest – Indulge in the delicious knowledge of Curam Development. Curam Experts from all over the world gather here to discuss the framework.
 * Flem Whitt Beach Music Festival – Usually held the first weekend in August at the Hyco Lake recreation area and includes music from multiple well known beach music bands.

Events

 * Clash of the Carts – The competition invites teams of amateur engineers, mechanics, performing artists, general goofballs, and others to create outrageous human powered soapbox carts to race against the clock in a two block downhill sprint to the finish line in uptown.
 * Mayo Lake Cyclysm – Join over 100 cyclists on a scenic journey through rural North Carolina and Virginia. Choose between route distances of 25 km, 50 km and a more challenging ride of 75 km for experienced cyclists. Cyclysm Bicycle Tour is usually held the third weekend of October.
 * Relay For Life – Cancer fight fund-raising event from all walks of life, including patients, medical support staff, local businesses, friends, families, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers. This yearly event is held at Person High School Stadium in late September or early October.
 * Flat River Antique Engine and Tractor Show – This two-day event attracts many exhibitors and visitors with demonstrations and displays based on the rich agricultural heritage of Person County. Event held in mid September at Optimist Park.
 * July 4 parade and fireworks – Main Street is paraded with antique cars, hot rods, tractors and horse back riders. Followed by celebration of American spirit and pride. Set at the Person High School Stadium, the colorful sights and sounds are preceded by a live concert.
 * Alive After 5 – Hundreds of musical fans gather to listen to the smooth sounds of local bands. This summer event usually held twice a year in June and July at Merritt Commons in uptown.

Performing arts

 * Kirby Civic Auditorium – Entertainment in this restored historic movie theater in uptown Roxboro features live theater, dance, and concerts. Headliners have included Branford Marsalis, Doc Watson, the Embers, Mike Cross, and year-round local productions. Total seating capacity – 1028.
 * Roxboro Little Theater – Producing stage entertainment for over 30 years, through the efforts of both local and regional thespians. RLT has featured such productions as The Wizard of Oz, Steel Magnolias, The Sound of Music, Oliver, and Fiddler on the Roof.
 * Merritt Commons Pavilion – Hosts local music acts and stage plays in uptown Roxboro.

Public library

 * Person County Public Library is located in Roxboro. The library hosts over fifty programs a year for children, and an average of two programs a month for adults. There are over 26,000 library card holders.

Parks and recreation
Person County Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of leisure services throughout the county providing a variety of recreational opportunities including playgrounds, walking tracks, picnic shelters, basketball courts, golf course, putt-putt, bicycling, fishing, swimming, tennis courts, ball fields, volleyball courts, hiking trails, horseshoe pits and restroom facilities at more than 14 sites, more than 6735 acre of park land, including:
 * Allensville Park
 * Bushy Fork Park
 * Huck Sansbury Recreation Complex
 * Hurdle Mills Park
 * Longhurst Park
 * Mayo Park
 * Mt. Tirzah Park
 * Olive Hill Park
 * Optimist Park

Other attractions include:
 * Hyco Lake
 * Mayo Lake
 * Piedmont Community College Nature Trail – A system of seven trails with an observatory. Total distance is 12,741 ft.
 * Rock Sportsplex – five baseball fields and a batting cage
 * Roxboro City Lake
 * Roxboro Country Club – 18-hole golf course

Air

 * Person County Airport located 8 mi south of Roxboro on U.S. Route 501
 * Raleigh-Durham International Airport located 42 mi south of Roxboro
 * Piedmont Triad International Airport located 72 mi southwest of Roxboro

Railroad

 * Norfolk Southern has freight rail lines.
 * Roxboro is not served directly by passenger trains. Amtrak serves nearby Durham.

Major highways

 * United States Highways:
 * [[Image:US 158.svg|20px]] U.S. Route 158
 * [[Image:US 501.svg|20px]] U.S. Route 501
 * North Carolina Highways:
 * [[Image:NC 49.svg|20px]] N.C. 49
 * [[Image:NC 57.svg|20px]] N.C. 57
 * [[Image:NC 157.svg|20px]] N.C. 157

Future 501 Expressway
The proposed corridor was officially announced in November 2008.

It will improve the existing 4-lane divided boulevard facility to a 4- lane divided expressway from the Durham County line to Roby Barton Rd. (SR 1218).

The Transportation Planning Branch of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Person County, and the City of Roxboro initiated a study to cooperatively develop the Person County & Roxboro Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP).

Public transit

 * Person Area Transit System (PATS) operates local bus routes within Roxboro.

Utilities
The city's electric system is maintained by Duke Energy and Piedmont Electric Membership Cooperative. Telephone networks include CenturyLink, wireless networks - AT&T Mobility, U.S. Cellular and Verizon Wireless. Broadband internet is provided by CenturyLink, Electronic Solutions and Charter Communications. Cable television service is available from Charter Communications and CenturyLink.

Print media
Newspapers and periodicals that serve the Roxboro and surrounding area include:

 * The Courier-Times
 * The Herald-Sun

Radio
Roxboro is the city of license for two radio stations:
 * 96.7 FM WKRX Country ("Kickin Country")
 * 1430 AM WRXO Country ("Oldies 1430")

Other nearby stations

 * W281AE 104.1 FM (.01 kW translator of Liberty University's WRVL, Lynchburg, Virginia)

Television
Roxboro is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville Designated Market Area, the 24th largest broadcast television market in the United States.

 * WFMY-TV from Greensboro, NC is carried on DirecTV.
 * WSET-TV from Lynchburg, Virginia is carried on DirecTV. Up until 2020 WSET-TV it was carried on Charter Spectrum cable.

Notable people

 * Jamie Barnette, former Canadian Football League quarterback
 * Betty Lou Beets, convicted murderer who was sentenced to death for murdering her husband
 * Robert L. Blackwell, soldier in World War I and Medal of Honor recipient
 * Margie Bowes, country music singer
 * Anderson Clayton, chairperson of the North Carolina Democratic Party
 * Mary Jayne Harrelson, middle-distance runner; won two NCAA championships in the 1500 meters at Appalachian State
 * Frank Kimbrough, post-bop Jazz pianist
 * Carl Long, NASCAR driver
 * Tom Long, CEO of MillerCoors Brewing Company
 * Wendy Palmer, former WNBA player and current head women's basketball coach at UNCG
 * James Ramsey, politician and lawyer
 * Enos Slaughter, former Major League Baseball player and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
 * Henry Slaughter, Southern gospel musician (cousin of Enos Slaughter)
 * Jim Thorpe, Champions Tour professional golfer
 * Luke Torian, politician, Virginia House of Delegates 52nd District Representative
 * George Yarborough, soldier in World War I; recipient of both the Navy Cross and Distinguished Service Cross

title: Roxboro, North Carolina