The Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc.

The Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc. The Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc.

was established in 1966 to preserve and promote the historical, architectural and cultural heritage of Murfreesboro, North Carolina.

Some more Chowan University history for you from the January 1963 "Chowanian".
09/05/2026

Some more Chowan University history for you from the January 1963 "Chowanian".

09/04/2026

Learn about the history of the Longleaf Pine Forest and the production of pine based products (naval stores) that were central to the economy of NE North Carolina in colonial times and aided in economic recovery after the Civil War.

We invite you to hear a dynamic speaker, Earl Ijames, on Saturday, September 19th. Please join us at 1:00 pm at the Elks Shrine at 102 Hobson Reynolds Road in Winton where we will meet in the event center adjacent to the hotel.

Earl Ijames is Curator of Agriculture, African American, and Community History for the NC Museum of History.

Two articles from the 1963 "Chowanian. Everyone  who knew him would agree that hiring Dr. Hargus Taylor at Chowan was...
09/04/2026

Two articles from the 1963 "Chowanian. Everyone  who knew him would agree that hiring Dr. Hargus Taylor at Chowan was an excellent decision. He is a legendary figure from Chowan's history. He was so respected and loved by the students that they nicknamed him "The Pope" of Chowan. He and his wife, Doris spent the rest of their careers at Chowan  and were very valuable members of the Murfreesboro community.

The 1962 / 63 school year was also a very busy one for engagements and weddings.

Share your memories of Dr. Taylor  and the other faculty members in the comments.

The current oval sidewalk at Chowan University was the original carriage lane and then later known as Pine Drive. Here ...
09/04/2026

The current oval sidewalk at Chowan University was the original carriage lane and then later known as Pine Drive. Here is a photo from 1963.

09/03/2026

Hey, do you play golf? Come join us as we raise funds for our scholarship program.
Team sponsors are $400, hole sponsors $150, Team-hole combo $500. For more information contact us [email protected]

09/03/2026

For more than four decades, Dr. Dorothy A. Wallace helped shape generations of Chowan students.

From 1965 to 2007, Dr. Wallace served in the Chowan School of Business, where her influence reached far beyond the classroom. Former students remember a professor who challenged them, encouraged them, and helped give them the confidence to build successful careers.

Her story, “A Foundation That Lasts,” is featured in the latest edition of The Chowanoka.

📖 Read more at chowan.edu/chowanoka

09/03/2026

The End Games: Hertford County, North Carolina

The Abram Riddick House in ruins near the Virginia line. Riddick built a fine Federal House in the 1820's and before the Civil War added a third floor ballroom. In its day, the house was described as palatial, and Riddick was one of the region's wealthiest men, owning over 7000 acres.

http://www.hpo.ncdcr.gov/nr/HF0009.pdf

09/03/2026

On September 3, 1585, Ralph Lane described the Virginia Colony, which included present-day North Carolina, as, “the goodliest soile under the cope of Heaven.”
Lane, leader of the second group of English voyagers that was sent to explore the colony, used the phrase in a letter to Richard Hakluyt the elder, an Englishman who promoted New World exploration.

Describing the Virginia Colony as a land of unexplored greatness with many native people living in rudimentary villages, Lane found the climate wholesome and pleasant and stated that no one among his crew fell ill while visiting. He further claimed that the New World had no equal in the known world at the time.

There is debate among historians over whether or not Lane was giving an accurate description of Virginia or if he was simply trying to increase the likelihood that a permanent English settlement would be established in the colony.

Regardless of questions surrounding the intent of the description, the “goodliest soile under the cope of heaven” phrase has become revered by North Carolinians and seen as an apt accounting of the natural beauty of the state.

Marker located in Hertford County, NC: https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2023/12/01/lanes-expedition-45

Address

116 East Main Street (P O Box 3)
Murfreesboro, NC
27855

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+12523985922

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