A Brief History of Our Town

True to its slogan, “Built from the past, planned toward the future,” Grifton’s story reflects a rich heritage shaped by its unique location and history. Once known by several early names, “Bell’s Ferry,” “Coward’s Bridge,” and “Skinhead”, the town is situated just south of Greenville, North Carolina, spanning both sides of Contentnea Creek (locally called the Moccasin River), only a few miles upstream from where it meets the Neuse River.

Historically, Grifton was notable for its unusual jurisdictional divisions. At one time, the town was located within three separate townships: Contentnea and Swift Creek in Pitt County, and Contentnea Neck in Lenoir County. It also fell under the boundaries of two senatorial districts, two judicial districts, and two congressional districts. This division extended to local law enforcement, with three township constables independently exercising authority over their respective areas of the town.

This complex governmental history reflects both Grifton’s strategic location at a river crossing and its long-standing role as a community at the intersection of counties, districts, and cultures.