Sampson County Communities

Clinton

Clinton, the county seat of Sampson County, is the largest of the eight communities and is near the geographical center of the county.  The city was first named Clinton Courthouse because North Carolina already had a town named Clinton in Rowan County. When Clinton of Rowan County folded in 1822, Sampson County ’s Clinton Courthouse applied for the name. The town was then named Clinton, 25 years after the death of Captain Richard Clinton, for whom the town is named.  Richard Clinton served in the American Revolution and was Sampson County ’s first state senator from 1784-1787 and 1789-1795.

 
Autryville

In April, 1889, President Gray of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Railroad designated Autrys as a depot.  Later in 1891, Autryville was incorporated, and a new town was born. Autryville is home to Micajah Autry, a Sampson County resident who fought in the Battle of the Alamo alongside Davy Crockett

Each year in mid-July the true story, “A Man Called Micajah,” reveals the life of Micajah Autry in Autryville’s outdoor theatre.  The town also celebrates Micajah Autry Day in May with a parade, arts and crafts, delicious food, entertainment, music and dance. Located along the east side of Sampson County along the banks of South River , Autryville is governed by a mayor and a five-member town commission.

Garland

The Town of Garland was incorporated on February 8, 1907, and is located about 17 miles south of Clinton.  Garland is governed by the Mayor, Comissioners, Town Coordinator and Deputy Clerk. The town hosts a Rotary Fair the first weekend of each October.  The fair includes a parade, beauty pageant, dance and an arts and crafts sale. 

Harrells

In 1943, Harrells was incorporated as Harrells Store.  In 1952, the name was change to Harrells.  The town is located at the southern end of the county and is largely agricultural.  The southern end of the county is also very well known as an excellent location for hunters, who come many miles to enjoy the sport. Harrells is governed by a Mayor-Council form of government.  It is home to Harrells Christian Academy , a large co-ed private school.  The first Saturday in November marks the Annual Fireman’s Day Parade. Events include the Antique Car Show, local and out of town entertainment, arts and crafts and locally made barbeque, a North Carolina tradition.

Newton Grove

Located at the northern end of the county, Newton Grove was known by four previous names before New Town on the Grove was eventually shortened to Newton Grove. The town was first incorporated in 1879, but soon folded and was not active again until 1935, when it incorporated for the second time.

A Mayor and five Commissioners comprise the government of Newton Grove. 

Roseboro

Roseboro, located on the west side of the county, was incorporated in 1891.  The town was named for John M. Rose, the secretary of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad.  Roseboro is governed by a Mayor and Town Commissioners.  The Annual Fireman’s Day Parade in mid-September is a three day carnival with various games, parachute jumps and fire drill competitions from surrounding fire departments.  These fun-filled events are capped off with a dance on Saturday night at the local National Guard Armory.  The town is known for local establishments which have been in operation for multiple generations.

Salemburg

Salemburg, geographically located between Roseboro and Clinton, is the home of the North Carolina Justice Academy.  Salemburg derived its name from the Old Salem Baptist Church and was incorporated in 1905.  The suffix “burg” was added to “Salem" to help distinguish it from Salem in Forsyth County. Salemburg is governed by a Mayor-Town Commissioner form of government. The town hosts the Annual W.F. Sessoms Sing, which is held in mid July.  The town also has an Annual Halloween Parade, sponsored by the Salemburg Elementary School and the local PTO.

Turkey

Turkey was first named for Turkey Creek, so named due to the large numbers of turkeys inhabiting the region in colonial days.  When the Warsaw-Clinton railway opened in 1886, Turkey became a new depot.  In the 1940s, Turkey had the distinction of being the world’s largest Italian pepper market.  Turkey is located on the east side of the county just before the Sampson/Duplin County lines. The town is governed by a Mayor-Town Commissioner form of government.  The Town of Turkey hosts its Annual Turkey Day Parade in November on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  Events include special entertainment, arts and crafts, a barbeque plate sale and the parade.