Historical Markers in
Durham County, North Carolina

A Black Capital for the World to See A Legacy of Community and Institutional Connections American Tobacco Trail Barbee Cemetery Bennett Place Bennett Place Beulah C. Bowens Fuller Black Wall Street Brassfield Station Bull City Blues Centennial Chapel Christopher "Old Kit" Barbee Clyde R. Hoey Building Dedicated to Those who Served in the World War Dr. Bartlett Durham Duke Homestead Duke Homestead Duke University Durham's Station Emanuel J. Evans, 1907-1997, and Sara N. Evans, 1905-1986 Empowering and Diverse Opportunities Financial and Professional Impact in Durham Five Points Loan Company Former Site of Hillside High School In Memory of "The Boys Who Wore the Gray" James E. Shepard James Edward Shepard John Merrick John Sprunt Hill Malbourne A Angier Meeting of the Generals N. C. Society of Engineers N.C. School of Science and Mathematics North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina Central University Roll of Honor Rotary Bandstand Royal Ice Cream Sit-In Rural Credit Union Shepard House St. Philip's Episcopal Church The Original Chimney of the Bennett House The "South Garden" Unity Veterans Memorial Visionary Leadership in the New South West Point Truce Line
The pirate Blackbeard (real name: Edward Teach) made his home base in the town of Bath, North Carolina, during the early 1700s.
North Carolina random facts
Durham County, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the earliest American settlements. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Occaneechi and Eno, who thrived off the fertile land. Europeans began arriving in the late 17th century, with the region eventually falling under British control.

During the early 19th century, Durham County was primarily an agricultural community, with tobacco farming becoming a prominent industry. As the demand for tobacco grew, leading to significant economic growth, the town of Durham was established in 1853. The establishment of the North Carolina Railroad also played a crucial role in the county's development, further boosting trade and transportation.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were transformative for Durham County. The rise of the American tobacco industry saw the town of Durham become a major hub, earning it the nickname "Bull City." Companies like American Tobacco Company and Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company prospered, shaping the county's economy and contributing to the development of iconic structures such as the Lucky Strike cigarette factory and Durham's downtown skyline.

In the 20th century, Durham County has experienced periods of growth, challenges, and transformation. It played a significant role in the civil rights movement, with the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People leading protests and advocating for racial equality. The county has also become a center for education, with Duke University and North Carolina Central University being established. Today, Durham is known for its thriving research, technology, and healthcare sectors, as well as its vibrant cultural scene and commitment to progressive initiatives.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Durham County, North Carolina.

  • 1838: Durham County is established on April 17, named after Dr. Bartlett Durham.
  • 1851: The community of Durhamville is established after a railway depot is built nearby.
  • 1853: Durhamville is renamed Durham Station.
  • 1865: The Civil War ends, and Durham Station begins to grow as a result of the tobacco industry.
  • 1873: Durham Station is officially incorporated as the town of Durham.
  • 1881: The Durham Tobacco Company is founded, marking the beginning of the tobacco boom in the area.
  • 1893: Durham becomes the county seat of Durham County.
  • 1903: The Washington Duke family founds the American Tobacco Company in Durham.
  • 1910: The Parrish Street area becomes a center of African American business and culture.
  • 1957: North Carolina Central University is established in Durham.
  • 1980s: Durham experiences economic decline due to the decline of the tobacco industry.
  • 1990s: Durham undergoes a revitalization effort, focusing on downtown redevelopment and the creation of Research Triangle Park.