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Tarboro, NC

Frequently asked questions

Tarboro, NC

Tarboro is a town located in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Rocky Mount Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the town had a population of 10,721. It is the county seat of Edgecombe County. The town is on the opposite bank of the Tar River from Princeville. It is also part of the Rocky Mount-Wilson-Roanoke Rapids CSA. Tarboro is located near the western edge of North Carolina's coastal plain. It has many historical churches, some dating from as early as 1742.

Tarboro was chartered by British colonists in 1760. Located in a bend of the Tar River, it was an important river port, the head of navigation on the Tar River just east of the fall line of the Piedmont. As early as the 1730s, a small community developed around this natural asset. With different businesses, a church, a jail, two warehouses, a courthouse, and a few well-built private houses, together with a score of "plain and cheap" houses, made a bustling village by the late 1700s.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 11.2 square miles (28.9 km²), of which 11.1 square miles (28.8 km²) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²), or 0.33%, is water.

Created in 1760, Tarboro is the ninth-oldest incorporated town in North Carolina. Situated on the Tar River at the fall line in the Piedmont, the town served the area as an important colonial river port. It was a thriving trade center until the Civil War.

Scholars believe that the area around Tarboro was settled by 1733, but Edward Moseley's map of that year indicates only Tuscarora Native Americans, an Iroquoian-language-speaking group. By 1750, the area was widely known as "Tawboro", a name attributed to Taw, the Tuscarora word for "river of health".

"Tarrburg", as the town was called on maps of 1770–75, was chartered November 30, 1760, as "Tarborough" by the General Assembly. In September of the same year, Joseph and Ester Howell deeded 150 acres (610,000 m²) of their property to the Reverend James Moir, Lawrence Toole (a merchant), Captains Aquilla Sugg and Elisha Battle, and Benjamin Hart, Esquire, for five shillings and one peppercorn. As commissioners, these men laid out a town with lots not exceeding 0.5 acres (2,000 m²) and streets not wider than 80 feet (24 m), with 12 lots and a 50-acre (200,000 m2) "common" set aside for public use. Lots were to be sold for two pounds, with the proceeds to be turned over to the Howells; however, full payment was not received for all of the 109 lots sold, and some were not sold for the 40 shillings price.

Health and wellness are paramount in Tarboro, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Tarboro Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. A popular option includes Heavy’s Gym. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Tarboro, such as the Indian Lake Park, Riverfront Park, and Clark Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Tarboro, NC are It's A Zoo Life, Blount-Bridgers House and Hobson, and Edgecombe County Veterans Military Museum.

Population: 10,721 (2020). ZIP Code: 27886. Area codes: 252. Elevation: 62 ft (19 m). Area: 11.31 sq mi (29.29 km²).

FAQs

What is Tarboro, NC famous for?

Chartered in 1760, Tarboro served the area as an important Colonial river port and thriving trade center until the Civil War. The center of Tarboro is the beautifully sculpted Town Common and Historic District. One of only two original town commons left in the United States, this 15-acre greenery is lined with tall oak trees and war memorials.

Is Tarboro, NC a good place to live?

Living in Tarboro offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Tarboro, there are a lot of parks. Many retirees live in Tarboro and residents tend to be liberal.

What is the crime rate in Tarboro, NC?

With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Tarboro has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32. Within North Carolina, more than 82% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Tarboro.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Tarboro

ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital 

Tarboro Parks and Recreation Department 

Heavy’s Gym 

Indian Lake Park

Riverfront Park 

Clark Park

It's A Zoo Life

Blount-Bridgers House and Hobson

Edgecombe County Veterans Military Museum

Discover Edge Combe

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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