Basic Information:
Pittsboro, North Carolina sits in the center of Chatham County. It is located 16 miles from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 25 miles from Research Triangle Park, and 32 miles from Raleigh, North Carolina. It is the county seat and respectively the home to the Chatham County Government Complex. According to Pittsboro, North Carolina's website, the population of Pittsboro includes 3,764 citizens within town limits and 2,983 citizens in extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Things to do:
There are many things to do and see within the town of Pittsboro, North Carolina.
These things include:
- Shopping in Historic Pittsboro
- Swimming or boating at Jordan Lake State Park
- Visiting the Haw River
- Walking on the trail at Central Carolina Community College's Chatham Country Campus, in Pittsboro
Along with these year-long activities, Pittsboro also offers seasonal events. The Fall Festival is held in early fall, every year. The festival is located in downtown Pittsboro where streets are closed for the citizens to enjoy local arts and crafts, live bands, activities, and food. The Christmas parade is another seasonal event. The Parade features local middle school and high school bands, antique cars, and much more.
Historic Pittsboro:
Originally named Pittsborough, Pittsboro was established when the North Carolina General Assembly authorized nine commissioners to purchase one hundred acres on Jan. 6, 1978. It was named for William Pitt who was the second son of the Earl of Chatham. In 1881, the historic brick courthouse was built for $10,666. The courthouse was restored to its original appearance in 1991. Pittsboro's historic architecture is a reminder of how much the town has grown since its establishment in 1978.
Courthouse Fire:
According to WRAL News, on March 25, 2010, the Chatham County Courthouse in Pittsboro, North Carolina was severely damaged from a fire while undergoing extensive, $451,000 renovations. Smoke was first reported in the upper part of the courthouse around 4:45 p.m. and by 5 p.m. there was heavy smoke coming out of the clock tower. The building was evacuated safely but all of the computers and records had been destroyed. On March 26, 2010, around 1:30 a.m., the courthouse's clocktower collapsed bringing with it all of the floors. According to the Grand Reopening of the Chatham County Courthouse pamphlet, on Oct. 3, 2011. the "Board of Commissioners approved a $4.41 million bid from H.M. Kern Corporation in Greensboro, North Carolina" to restore the courthouse. The courthouse was officially reopened on April 20, 2013.
