The Historic Small Town That Every North Carolinian Should Visit At Least Once
By Carolyn Harmon|Published November 09, 2022
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
From the early days when the Tuscarora Indians settled the region to now, Tarboro is an interesting, historic small town that every North Carolinian should visit at least once. The town was chartered on Nov. 30, 1760, and officially became the county seat of Edgecombe County in 1764. It was a thriving riverport until the Civil War started, then by 1861, 60% of the county’s population — over 10,000 people — was enslaved. After the war, many newly-freed people crossed over the Tar River and founded Freedom Hill, which became Princeville in 1885, the first town in the U.S. incorporated by African Americans. In 1977, the National Park Service recognized the Tarboro Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, spanning 45 blocks and including more than 300 structures. Let’s take a look at this historic, small town.
1. Edgecombe County Courthouse
Edgecombe County Courthouse, 301 St Andrew St, Tarboro, NC 27886, USA
The elegant, green roof on this Modern Colonial Revival building is a welcoming sight. This is the third county courthouse, built in 1964-65 by Taylor and Crabtree of Nashville, Tennessee. The first courthouse was constructed in 1739 before the county was created.
The 45-block Tarboro Historic District was recognized by the National Park Service in 1977 including historic churches, homes, and other structures. You can still see the original 19th-century storefronts along Tarboro's Main Street.
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3. Tarboro Town Common
Tarboro Town Common, 202 W Wilson St, Tarboro, NC 27886, USA
People refer to this as the gateway to the Tarboro Historic District. The 1760 Tarboro Town Common is a fan-favorite with its impressive oak-shaded lawn and war memorials
This valuable machine sits at the west end of the town common and was moved from Norfleet Plantation in the early 20th century, where livestock was used to turn cotton into bales and crush fruit.
Before we go any further, coffee is required along with a freshly baked muffin or yummy cinnamon roll. This historic building is also on the Walking Trail of Historic Tarboro.
Another home on the walking tour is this Greek Revival house built around 1832, which boasts a grand entrance with sidelights, its original cupola, and seven fireplaces. This home is located at 1004 Main St.
7. Blount-Bridgers House
Blount-Bridgers House, 130 Bridgers St, Tarboro, NC 27886, USA
This sprawling mansion built by Thomas Blount in 1808, was once the center of an enormous plantation. It is now a museum, art gallery, and home of the Tarboro Arts Council. The award-winning Blount-Bridgers Arboretum is maintained by the Garden Committee.
8. Calvary Episcopal Church
Calvary Episcopal Church, 411 E Church St, Tarboro, NC 27886, USA
Construction on the historic, Gothic Revival church building, designed by William Percival and built by Thomas Coats, started in 1858 and was completed in 1867. The original furnishings in the chancel that remain include the altar, the Deacon's Chair, the Bishop’s Chair, and the Acolyte Stalls. Today it is led by the Rev. Dee Shaffer.
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9. Off The Main
Off The Main, 417 N Main St, Tarboro, NC 27886, USA
Are you ready to visit this historic small town in North Carolina? The education is endless about historic Tarboro. If you go, please tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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