About 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 Holt’s Pond area on the stagecoach road from Goldsboro to Raleigh. The town’s name was 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 Princeton’s 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, bakery, 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 institutions 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.

 

Princeton is the bridge between central and eastern North Carolina located on (future) I-42. The community schools, safe neighborhoods, small town stability, and active downtown and night life, provide a welcoming environment fostering all styles of commercial and cultural creativity. Princeton has been, and will continue to be:  "Peaceful, Pleasant, Progressive and Proud."