Pittsboro Snapshot

Emily Murrill (2022)
 

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Pittsboro is a small- to mid-sized town with approximately 4,500 residents, and it serves as the county seat for Chatham County. This quaint town was established in the late 1700s after the American Revolution. Highway 64 passes through the town’s northern outskirts. 

The Chatham County Courthouse is a landmark in Pittsboro, but it was almost permanently destroyed. The courthouse caught on fire in March 2010, which caused the clock tower to collapse into the building. The courthouse then went under a major renovation, and it reopened in 2013. It is still standing today. 

There are many rivers in the surrounding area of Pittsboro, which resulted in several mills and factories being constructed there in the 19th century. Now, however, Pittsboro is mostly considered to be a “commuter town,” or a town that is more residential than industrial. Despite this, Pittsboro has many interesting attractions for visitors including the Carolina Tiger Rescue, Fearrington Village, the Starrlight Mead winery, and many local festivals. So, while Pittsboro is not renowned for its booming industry, it capitalizes on its quaintness and natural beauty and makes for a great place to stop along Highway 64.