Whiteville’s beginning dates back to 1733 land grants. James B. White, from whom Whiteville is named, owned over 2000 acres of land, which included a plantation, Marsh Castle. It was originally part of a 640-acre tract of land inherited by John Burgin and his wife, Margaret. John Gurgin, an attorney, served as secretary to Governor Arthur Dobbs in 1754 and was treasures of the colony in 1766.

In the years following the Revolutionary War, the area became more populous, and for the convenience of these settlers, a new county, Columbus, was established from Bladen and Brunswick Counties. The site of Columbus County Courthouse was chosen and given to Columbus County by James B. White, who became the county’s first state senator. Today’s Courthouse Square can be seen on the original plan of Whiteville.

Later, the railroad depot was located south of Whiteville at Vineland, which existed as a separate town until 1926 when it became part of Whiteville. The Vineland section is still referred to as “downtown” and old Whiteville as “uptown”

Soldiers from Whiteville and Columbus County participate in the major battles of the Civil Was from Manassess to Appomatox, and residents of Whiteville reported hearing the guns fired at Fort Fisher. Tales of looting and destruction by marauders from Sherman’s army have bee handed down for years.

As the South slowly rebuilt after the Civil War, so did Columbus County and Whiteville. Better roads and communications in the early decades of the 20th century changed Whiteville from an agricultural community to a growing town. Population increased over 30% from 1920 to 1930.

Whiteville is now over 180 years old and has long been an important business center and cultural center, to the surprise of some who call it “that little town with the big city ways.” A pretty town with its mixture of old and new, most would agree that Whiteville puts on its most splendid show in the spring with its dazzling array of camellias, azaleas and dogwoods.

From humble beginnings, Whiteville has grown into a prospering “little city,” offering all the ingredients necessary to make it one of the most desirable communities in North Carolina to work, play, and raise a family.

We invite you to become enchanted with the enthusiasm and spirit of Whiteville