Pitt County, North Carolina

Pitt County Education, Geography, and History

Pitt County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 168,148. Its county seat is Greenville.

Pitt County comprises the Greenville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Etymology - Origin of Pitt County Name

It was named in honor of William Pitt.

Demographics:

County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts

Pitt County History

Pitt was formed in 1760 from Beaufort. The act was to become effective January 1,1761. It was named in honor of William Pitt. It is in the eastern section of the State and is bounded by Beaufort, Craven, Lenoir, Greene, Wilson, Edgecombe and Martin counties. The present land area is 651.58 square miles and the 2000 population was 133,719. The act establishing the county authorized the courts to be held at the home of John Hardy until a courthouse could be built. It also directed the justices to contract for the construction of the courthouse, prison and stocks on John Hardy's land on the south side of Tar River, near the Chapel known as Hardy's Chapel. In 1771 Martinsboro was established on Richard Evans's land, and in 1774 the courthouse, prison and stocks were moved to Martinsboro. Court was held at the home of John Lessley until the new courthouse, prison and stocks were completed. In 1787 Martinsborough was changed to Greenville. Greenville is the county seat.

Geography: Land and Water

As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 655 square miles (1,700 km²), of which 652 square miles (1,690 km²) is land and 2.9 square miles (7.5 km²) (0.4%) is water.

Neighboring Counties

Bordering counties are as follows:

• Martin County - northeast
• Beaufort County - east
• Craven County - south-southeast
• Lenoir County - south-southwest
• Greene County - southwest
• Wilson County - west
• Edgecombe County - northwest

Education

East Carolina University
Pitt Community College
Miller-Motte Technical College

Compare More Colleges and Universities

Find more schools to match to your needs.

Start Now