Welcome to the Lumberton Downtown Plaza, a central hub for the vibrant history and community life of Lumberton, North Carolina. Established in 1787 by General John Willis, a prominent figure of the American Revolution, Lumberton was founded as a strategic shipping point for lumber destined for the Navy. The Lumber River played a pivotal role in this early economy, with logs floated downriver to Georgetown, South Carolina.
As you stand in the plaza today, imagine the bustling activity of the early days when the town was officially created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1788. The area was initially heavily forested, and those early settlers carved out a new community, building streets, a courthouse, and public squares. This was a time when Lumberton was just starting to flourish, with its first school established by Willis in 1791 and a post office by 1796.
One of the notable historical events in Lumberton’s timeline includes its incorporation as a town in 1852, which provided it with a municipal government. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Lumberton connected by rail to Wilmington, reducing its reliance on river transport and bolstering its development. The town faced challenges, including fires in 1870 and 1876 that devastated the business district. Despite these setbacks, Lumberton rebuilt and continued to grow.
In the mid-20th century, Lumberton made its mark with a professional minor-league baseball team, the Lumberton Cubs, affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. The city also gained national recognition when it was named an All-America City twice, in 1970 and 1995, highlighting its resilience and community spirit.
The Lumberton Downtown Plaza today stands as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit and rich history. As you walk through the plaza, consider the stories of the people who built this town from the ground up, transforming it from a forested area into the lively city it is today.
