Pitt County is located in the eastern part of North Carolina, covering 651.84 square miles. The county was formed in 1760 from Beaufort County, NC, and this act became effective January 1, 1761. The county was named for William Pitt.
The act establishing the county authorized the courts to be held at the home of John Hardy until a courthouse could be built. It also directed the justices to contract for the construction of the courthouse, prison and stocks on John Hardy's land on the south side of the Tar River, near Hardy's Chapel.
In 1771 Martinsboro was established on Richard Evans's land, and in 1774 the courthouse, prison and stocks were moved to Martinsboro. Court was held at the home of John Lessley until the new courthouse, prison and stocks were completed. In 1787, Martinsborough was changed to Greenville. Greenville is the county seat.
*Information courtesy of the North Carolina Encyclopedia