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Pitt County, located in eastern North Carolina, is a county with a rich history dating back to the early 1700s. Here are seven interesting facts about Pitt County's historical past:
1. Pitt County was established in 1760 and was named after William Pitt the Elder, who was a British statesman and prime minister in the mid-1700s. Prior to its establishment, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes including the Tuscarora and the Lenape.
2. During the American Civil War, Pitt County was a significant strategic location for both the Union and Confederate armies. The county was utilized by both sides as a supply and medical base, and was also a point for recruitment and desertion.
3. Greenville, the largest city in Pitt County, was established in 1771 and served as a crucial transportation hub for shipping tobacco and other goods. In the 20th century, Greenville became known as the home of East Carolina University, a major public research university and the fourth-largest university in North Carolina.
4. In 1901, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad established a division headquarters in Greenville. This move brought significant economic growth to the city, as the railroad industry served as a major source of employment and revenue for Pitt County.
5. Rosa Parks, the iconic civil rights activist who famously refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955, briefly lived in Pitt County. Parks lived in the town of Belvoir in the late 1940s, where she worked as a seamstress, before moving to Montgomery.
6. Agriculture has been a major industry in Pitt County since its founding, and the county is still known for its cotton, tobacco, and poultry production. In 1979, Pitt County became the first county in the state to have a farmer's market, which continues to operate today and serves as a popular tourist attraction.
7. During World War II, Pitt County played a crucial role in the war effort by hosting a training camp for the Women's Army Corps (WAC). The WAC training center, which was located at East Carolina Teacher's College (now East Carolina University), was instrumental in training and preparing women for non-combat roles in the military.
Pitt County's history is filled with fascinating stories and significant contributions to North Carolina and the nation as a whole. From its role in the Civil War and the civil rights movement, to its ongoing agricultural and economic importance, the county's contributions to North Carolina's history cannot be overlooked.
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