Outlying Area, Smithfield...

Ten months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Town of Smithfield officially was chartered. However, the origins of the community date back to 1759 when John Smith, one of the area’s earliest settlers, petitioned to operate a ferry where the Neuse River cut through land he owned. The site became known as Smith’s Ferry.

The Smithfield-Selma area’s destiny seems to be increased urbanization, although agriculture will continue to be a basic means of economic livelihood. With two interstate highways and its proximity to the Research Triangle area, Smithfield and Selma are poised for quality economic growth well into the twenty-first century.