Town of Princeton

The Town of Princeton, located along US Highway 70 in eastern Johnston County between Smithfield and Goldsboro, was incorporated by North Carolina law in 1861 under the name Boon Hill. The town first got its name from a man named Boon who kept a livery stable in the Holts Pond area on the stagecoach road from Goldsboro to Raleigh. The towns name wa... s changed in 1873, to Princeton, by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly. The new name originated in 1863 from a man by the name of Hensley who moved to the town from Princeton, New Jersey. Around the time of Princetons incorporation, the estimated population was thought to be about one-dozen. At this time, Princeton is a flourishing community with an estimated population of nearly 1,300. Princeton currently has a florist, a hardware store, drugstore, an optician, dentist, a pediatric medical practice, two grocery stores and various retail stores available to its residents. School aged children attend community oriented elementary and middle/high schools located within the town limits. With all of these successful businesses, prominent educational institutuions and proud history, it is no wonder that citizens proclaim Princeton as Peaceful, Pleasant, Progressive and Proud! The mission of the Town of Princeton is to continue improving the quality of life for each citizen through strong financial stewardship, proper planning, superior services and protection at an affordable cost. The vision of the Town of Princeton is to be the desired community to live, work, worship, and raise a family. This community will continue to thrive and grow while maintaining a low crime rate, fostering an attitude of caring for one another, seeking continued community support, implementing smart growth practices and placing an emphasis on quality rather than quantity so that all citizens will proclaim the Town of Princeton to be Peaceful, Pleasant, Progressive and Proud.Read More