National Register Listing

Warrenton Historic District

U.S. 401, Warrenton, NC
Local significance of the site:
Commerce; Education; Law; Politics/government; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

During the Civil War, North Carolina was the second to last state to secede from the Union, doing so on May 20, 1861, and sending more soldiers to fight for the Confederacy than any other state.
North Carolina random facts
Warren County, located in North Carolina, has a rich and varied history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Meherrin and Occaneechi tribes, who relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for their livelihoods. European settlers began arriving in the area in the late 17th century, primarily English and Scottish settlers attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming.

In the 18th century, Warren County flourished as a significant tobacco producer, with many plantations dotting the landscape. The county's strategic location on the Roanoke River also contributed to its economic growth, as it became an important transportation hub for both goods and people. Warren County was officially established in 1779 and named after Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero.

During the Civil War, Warren County experienced the effects of the conflict, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying the area at different times. Like much of the South, the county suffered significant economic and social upheaval during this time, with many plantations destroyed and the institution of slavery abolished.

In the years following the Civil War, Warren County faced challenges of reconstruction but was able to gradually rebuild its economy through agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. Today, Warren County is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, with attractions such as Lake Gaston, Kerr Lake, and picturesque small towns like Warrenton.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Warren County, North Carolina.

  • 1584: The area now known as Warren County is part of the Roanoke Colony established by Sir Walter Raleigh.
  • 1663: The English crown grants the land to eight Lords Proprietors.
  • 1722: The area becomes part of Edgecombe County.
  • 1741: Bute County is formed, including the present-day Warren County.
  • 1764: The county is renamed Warren County in honor of Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero.
  • 1779: Thomas Eaton establishes the first permanent settlement in the county.
  • 1796: Warrenton is established as the county seat.
  • 1819: Nathaniel Macon, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, becomes the first U.S. Senator from Warren County.
  • 1830s: Warren County experiences an economic boom due to the introduction of tobacco farming.
  • 1861: The Civil War begins, and many residents of Warren County join the Confederate Army.
  • 1878: The Warren Female Institute, later renamed John Graham High School, opens in Warrenton.
  • 1920s: The tobacco market crashes, leading to a decline in the county's agricultural economy.
  • 1973: Kerr Lake, a reservoir on the Roanoke River, is completed and becomes a popular recreational area.
  • 1999: The Warren County Armory and Residences in Warrenton is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.