Introduction to Carrboro, North Carolina
Carrboro, North Carolina, in Orange county, is 11 miles SW of Durham, North Carolina and 26 miles W of Raleigh, North Carolina. The town is in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area.
Carrboro History
The first settlement in the area was established in 1882 near the State University Railroad. It was then known as West End. Gradually, more people began to arrive in the area, and there was a significant increase in population following the construction of the Alberta Cotton Mill in 1898. In 1911, West End was officially incorporated and renamed Venable in honor of Francis Preston Venable, UNC president and chemistry professor. However, two years later, the name was again changed to Carrboro in honor of Julian Shakespeare Carr, who established the Durham Hosiery Mill.
Carrboro and nearby Attractions
- Bennett Place State Historic Site
- Carrboro Arts Center
- Chapel Hill Museum
- Falls Lake State Recreation Area
- Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
- North Carolina Zoo
Things To Do In Carrboro
Local museums and historical sites include the Bennett Place State Historic Site, the Duke Homestead State Historic Site, the Chapel Hill Museum and the Orange County Historical Museum. The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers opportunities for swimming, boating, camping, fishing and picnicking. The Carrboro Farmer's Market is a unique local attraction, which features locally grown organic produce, baked goods, locally produced cheeses and handmade crafts. Everything sold is essentially produced within a 50-mile radius of the town. Carrboro also has a flourishing arts scenario. The popular Carrboro Music Festival is an annual, all-day event that celebrates local music. This event features performances throughout the downtown area. The annual West End Poetry Festival attracts talented poets as well.
Carrboro Transportation
Air transportation is available from Raleigh-Durham International.
Carrboro Higher Education
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, Meredith College, North Carolina Central University, Peace College, Shaw University and North Carolina State University are all accessible from Carraboro.