You’ve probably had the experience of driving around and seeing historical markers on the side of the road, but you weren’t really able to stop and check it out. The Twin Counties are full of historical markers that celebrate our area’s rich history.
Some of these can be found on busy streets or in more noticeable areas, but many others are tougher to spot. While we can’t list them all, here are a few that might be of interest.
Edgecombe County
In the Tarboro Town Common is a marker recognizing the creation of the Town Common and the act that established the town of Tarboro in 1760. It is the second oldest town common in the United States.
Nearby, you can see a marker that indicates that President George Washington stayed in Tarboro on April 18, 1791.
The George H. White marker is located at the intersection of Granville and Main Street in Tarboro. White was a U.S. Representative from 1897 until 1901. He would be the last black Southerner in Congress for 72 years.
Near the intersection of Bus. US 64 and Wake St. in Rocky Mount is a marker commemorating Dred Wimberly, who was born a slave and became a State representative and senator. The marker stands at the site of his home and recognizes his work improving railroads and schools.
Downtown Rocky Mount recognizes the birth of Jazz legend Thelonious Monk about one mile south of the marker, which can be found at the intersection of Main and Thomas.
Nash County
The plaque recognizing Tarboro native Lieutenant Adolphus Staton as a Medal of Honor recipient can be found at the Veterans Memorial at Jack Laughery Park in Rocky Mount.
Nearby is a memorial remembering 2nd Lt. Harold Bascom Durham, Jr. for his bravery and sacrifice during the Vietnam War, for which he was awarded a Medal of Honor.
Heading north on Church St. is a marker commemorating the founding of Hardee’s by Jim Gardner and Leonard Rawls in 1961.
A marker on Raleigh Road near Airport Road marks the site of British General Cornwallis’ camp in 1781 near the end of the Revolutionary War.
One of the more visible markers, located near the Rocky Mount Mills, marks the nearby spot where America’s Favorite Fighting Frenchman, The Marquis de Lafayette stayed on his American tour in 1825.
On Raleigh Rd. near Grace St. is a marker for Baseball Hall of Fame first baseman Buck Leonard. The marker, located near his birthplace, commemorates his achievements in the Negro League and his Hall of Fame induction.
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