Ayden
| The Town of Ayden, originally called "Harristown," was established by a farmer who had a vision. In 1891, William Henry Harris wanted to establish a town in the southern end of what is now Pitt County, utilizing a portion of his farm. To make this vision a reality, he convinced the Atlantic Coast Line to construct a railroad depot. He then divided a forty acre parcel near the depot into residential lots. Within several years, the lots were sold and homes were built. Businesses began to spring up to support the new residents and on February 3, 1891, the town was incorporated as "Ayden," a name discovered by a resident on a world map. |
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Today Ayden encompasses over 2.5 square miles and is home to almost 5,000 people. While the town has grown, it continues to be a community of families that has a small town atmosphere and offers numerous amenities. Sports, theater, arts and dancing are just a few of the activities you can enjoy in Ayden during your spare time. Activities take place throughout the year and there is plenty to do for all age groups. Ayden is served by excellent public schools, a variety of recreational and leisure activities- including theater productions and a local golf course- and, of course, one can't mention the Town of Ayden without mentioning the Collard Festival and the two award winning barbeque restaurants (Bum's and Skylight Inn). The Ayden Collard Festival launched in 1975 is held annually, the first week in September, starting the day after Labor Day and continuing through Sunday. Ayden is also very fortunate to have a historic downtown business district that has been revitalized in recent years with new retail and service businesses.
While the Town of Ayden has grown over the years, it is currently preparing for a period of unprecedented growth. Infrastructure improvements, including a $7 million water and wastewater extension project and the construction of the Southwest By-Pass, an interstate quality highway connecting NC 11 and NC 264, will facilitate much of this growth. But other factors, such as the town's proximity to a growing City of Greenville, Pitt County Memorial Hospital and East Carolina University and its Brody School of Medicine, will also contribute. Ayden is busy planning for this growth and ensuring that it will enhance the quality of life and small town atmosphere that make Ayden a unique and desirable place to live.
Ayden is conveniently located between Greenville and Kinston with Raleigh and the coast just a short drive away. Ayden is "A progressive community with hometown charm."
For more information on the Town of Ayden, please visit the Town's website, www.ayden.com or call (252) 746-8545. Information regarding Downtown Ayden is available at www.downtownayden.org.
