| Pitt County | was formed in 1760 from Beaufort County. Located in the E section of the state, it is bounded by Beaufort, Craven, Lenoir, Greene, Wilson, Edgecombe, and Martin Counties. It was named for William Pitt, Earl of Chatham (1708-78), secretary of state in England and virtual prime minister, whose vigorous war policies resulted in the defeat of the French in America by the British. Area: 656 sq. mi. County seat: Greenville, with an elevation of 64 ft. Townships are Arthur, Ayden, Belvoir, Bethel, Carolina, Chicod, Falkland, Farmville, Fountain, Greenville, Grifton, Grimesland, Pactolus, Swift Creek, and Winterville. Produces tobacco, corn, soybeans, oats, hay, apples, peanuts, cotton, poultry, hogs, livestock, lumber, textiles, batteries, baked goods, boats, canned foods, and apparel. See also Chatham County. |
| Pittsboro | town and county seat, central Chatham County. Est. 1778 as Chatham, site of the courthouse. Pittsboro authorized to be laid out on land adjacent to the courthouse in 1785, but owners would not sell the desired land. In 1787 land on another site was acquired. Named for William Pitt, Earl of Chatham (1708-78), defender of American rights in the British Parliament. Alt. 409. Produces textiles, hosiery, poultry. |