Historical Markers in
Orange County, North Carolina

Alexander Dickson House Archibald Debow Murphey Astronaut Training Billy Strayhorn Bingham School Bingham School Boone Expedition for Kentucky Carolina Coffee Shop Eagle Lodge No. 71, A.F. and A.M. Edmund Fanning Elizabeth Cotten Elizabeth Keckly Francis Nash Harriet M. Berry Hart's Mill Hughes Academy J. G. de Roulhac Hamilton James Hogg Journey of Reconciliation Kuralt Building Last Shots Masonic Hall Moses A. Curtis Nash-Hooper House Navy B-1 Band North Carolina Society of the Cincinnati Occaneechi Old Sawpit Site Orange County Courthouse, 1845-1957 Paper Mill Paul Green Regulators Hanged Silent Sam Site of First North Carolina Convention 1788 St. Mary's Chapel St. Matthew's Churchyard Strowd Building The Chapel Hill Nine The Last Encampment Thomas Burke Thomas Ruffin Town of Hillsborough University Florist William A. Graham William Churton William Hooper William Hooper Esquire
North Carolina was the site of the first gold rush in the United States, in the early 1800s. The town of Charlotte was named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of England.
North Carolina random facts
Orange County, North Carolina has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Occaneechi and Eno. European settlers began arriving in the 18th century, primarily Scots-Irish and German immigrants who established farms and plantations. The county was officially formed in 1752 and named after the Dutch Prince William of Orange.

During the American Revolution, Orange County played a significant role. It was home to prominent figures such as General William R. Davie, who fought alongside George Washington. The historic town of Hillsborough became a hotbed of revolutionary activity, hosting the Hillsborough Convention where the influential Halifax Resolves were signed, calling for independence from Great Britain.

In the following decades, Orange County continued to develop agriculturally, with tobacco becoming a major cash crop. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was founded in 1789 and played a pivotal role in the area's growth, attracting scholars, educators, and entrepreneurs. Education became an important aspect of the county, with many local schools and institutions contributing to its intellectual heritage.

The Civil War brought significant challenges to Orange County, as it was divided between Confederate and Union sympathizers. Hillsborough served as the Confederate capital in early 1865, but the war's end marked a period of reconstruction and healing. The county's agricultural economy underwent a transformation, shifting from tobacco to other crops and industries. Today, Orange County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a mixture of historical landscapes, cultural events, and a strong commitment to education and sustainability.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Orange County, North Carolina.

  • 1752: Orange County is established as a county in the Province of North Carolina.
  • 1761: Hillsborough is chosen as the county seat of Orange County.
  • 1776: Orange County residents sign the Halifax Resolves, supporting American independence.
  • 1789: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is founded in Orange County.
  • 1791: Orange County loses land to the newly formed Chatham County.
  • 1851: The second Orange County Courthouse is built in Hillsborough.
  • 1881: The railroad is established in Orange County, boosting its economy.
  • 1958: The Research Triangle Park is established, bringing further economic growth to the county.
  • 2001: Orange County voters approve a referendum to extend a sales tax to fund a new jail.
  • 2019: The rural community of Orange County continues to thrive, known for its natural beauty and historic charm.