Greenville is the county seat of Pitt County, principal city of the Greenville metropolitan area. Census data). By the mid 1960’s, a new image began to evolve.
Greenville is the medical, economic, education, cultural, and industrial hub of Eastern North Carolina. The City covers approximately 35 square miles and has a population of 81,798 (according to U.S. Greenville, NC is located in the north central coastal plain region of Eastern North Carolina, approximately 85 miles east of Raleigh, 87 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, and 265 miles south of Washi
ngton, DC. Greenville was founded in 1771 as "Martinsborough," named after the Royal Governor Josiah Martin. In 1774, the town was moved to its present location on the south bank of the Tar River, three miles west of its original site. In 1786, the city's name was changed to Greenesville in honor of General Nathanael Greene, the Revolutionary War hero, and later shortened to Greenville. During Greenville’s early years, the Tar River was a navigable waterway; and by the 1860’s there were several established riverboat lines transporting passengers and goods. Cotton was the leading agricultural crop, and Greenville became a major cotton export center. Before the turn of the century, however, to***co surpassed cotton and became the leading money crop. Greenville became one of the State’s leading to***co marketing and warehouse centers. For over a century, Greenville was recognized only for being an important to***co market and the home of a small State-supported college. The small college, East Carolina Teachers College, had become the third largest State-supported college, and enrollment approached 8,000 students--twice the 1960 enrollment figure. In 1967, it became East Carolina University. The ECU Medical School admitted its first four-year class in 1977. At the turn of the century, enrollment at ECU topped the 18,000 mark, and current enrollment is nearly 26,000 students. Burroughs Wellcome, a major pharmaceutical research and manufacturing firm, chose Greenville as its home in 1968, that started the development of Greenville's industrial complex. The site is now owned by DSM Pharmaceuticals, which employs approximately 1,400 people. The City and Pitt County have also become home to many other major industries and businesses including Rubbermaid, NACCO Materials Handling Group, Grady-White Boats, and ASMO. This has added to Greenville’s population and the economic growth of the City. Social Media Policy: https://greenvillenc.gov/government/city-manager-s-office/public-information-office/social-media
06/05/2026
Now Hiring: Planner II in Community & Development Services - Planning Division 🗺️✨
If you have a background in urban planning or public administration and want to help shape our city's long-range vision, we want to hear from you.
What you’ll do:
✔️ Process land development & zoning applications
✔️ Draft comprehensive, neighborhood, and corridor plans
✔️ Support City Council, as well as various Boards & Commissions
✔️ Work closely with citizens, developers, and engineers
💰 Starting Salary: $57,616 - $73,444 (depending on qualifications)
🎓 Qualifications: Degree in Planning/Public Admin + 2-3 years of experience.
This position is open until filled. For more info or to apply, visit jobs.greenvillenc.gov
06/05/2026
06/05/2026
🏀 Ready to hit the court this summer? The Jr. NBA Basketball Summer League is back at South Greenville Recreation Center! 🙌
This competitive league for boys & girls ages 11–18 features live team drafting, evaluations, and a 30-second shot clock designed to build basketball IQ and team play.
📅 League runs June 15–August 6
⏰ Registration closes June 16
Don’t miss your shot to be part of the action this summer! 🔥
June First Friday ArtWalk is going to be a blast!
Mark your calendar and park your car!
Ride the Emerald Express Trolley for FREE to get from place to place!
Emerge Gallery & Art Center is a great places to start your journey!
Their staff can share popular events and places to visit!
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