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About Historic Williamston
 Williamston was an important trade center and Roanoke River port
from the 1730s. After 1882, the railroad and tobacco planting
revitalized the town as a commercial market. Two National
Register Historic Districts highlight 19th and early 20th
century life.
Two National Register Historic Districts
highlight 19th and early 20th century life and can be seen
upclose on a self-guided walking tour. The town now
hosts thousands of visitors each year to the
Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural
Center, a premiere equestrian show facility.
Downtown, visitors enjoy home cooking at the R&C Restaurant and
watching Main Street go by from the booths of Clark's, featuring
a soda and ice cream fountain, coffee and cookies, and packaged
snacks. Try a vanilla Coke or Orangeade before stepping onto the
Skewarkee Trail, a mile-long, paved former
rail corridor that runs from downtown to the Roanoke River,
perfect for a walk, bike ride or rollerblading. Thousands of
visitors each year visit Williamston during the annual Carolina
Country Stampede the last weekend in September. And the Roanoke
River welcomes paddlers, bird watchers and nature lovers on the
Roanoke River Paddle Trail and Canoe Camping System.
Seven platforms allow visitors to spend the night in the swamp.
Historic sites located in and around Williamston are:
Asa Biggs House
This 1835 home reflects local adaptations of Federal and Greek
Revival styles popular when it was built and remodeled. It was
the home of Asa Biggs, a former US Senator and federal judge
prominent in the politics of the day. The Biggs family remained
in the home until 1862 when they fled the threat of invading
Union troops.
Fort Branch Civil War Site
A significant Civil War Site overlooking the Roanoke River, Fort
Branch is known as "the best preserved earthwork Civil War site
east of the Mississippi." Seven of the fort’s original eleven
cannons are on display there. Stop by nearby hamilton for a
self-guided walking tour of its National Register Historic
District featuring a Rosenwald School, Queen Anne homes and
Gothic cottages, and the 1882 Gothic-Victorian St. martin's
Episcopal Church.
St. James Place Museum
This restored primitive Baptist church in Robersonville serves
as a fascinating museum of southern folk art. Late, clapboard
Gothic revival architecture church building now houses original
furnishings, folk art, and antique duck decoys .
Old Martin County Courthouse
One of 12 courthouses built in the state between 1860 and 1900.
It is an excellent example of an eclectic blend of Italian and
Victorian elements.
Martin County Arts Council
Located: 124 Washington Street
Hours :
Gallery open Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. Changing displays of art and crafts. Gift shop, too.
Martin County will also be part of the North Carolina Civil
War Trails in 2004.
About the Facilities
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Visitor center
Gift shop (limited)
Picnic facilities
Free parking
Vending/food service
On-site banquet facilities
Public restrooms
Motorcoach parking
Exhibits
Historic structures
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Nearest Major Town/City: Greenville, NC (22 miles
southwest)
For Visitor Information
Martin County Travel and Tourism
Historic Williamston
PO Box 382
415 E. Blvd., NC TeleCenter
 Website:
Visit Martin County
Email:
info@visitmartincounty.com
About the Programs
Major Program Areas: Antebellum, Civil War,
Equine, Agriculture, Ecotourism, Recreation.
Education Resources:
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Guided tours
On-site interpretive activities
Living History events
Historic structure tours
Self-guided walking tours
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School Tour Requirements:
- Please call ahead for a variety of tour options and
topics.
- Reservations required
- 45 minute to 1-hour tour, but can customize to need
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