Pembroke

History

In 1860, there existed Campbell's Mill in Robeson County. That year the Wilmington, Charlotte and Rutherford Railroad constructed an east–west line through the area, but no strong community developed and no train station was erected, probably due to the proximity of the larger communities of Moss Neck and Pates. In 1892, the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad proposed building a north–south line through Moss Neck, but at the opposition of a prominent citizen the line was moved a few miles west to Campbell's Mill. A train station was erected, and the Atlantic Land and Improvement Company plotted one square mile of streets centered around it. Lots were sold to private holders and the community quickly became a center for commerce. In 1895 the community's population stood at approximately 150 residents. It was incorporated that year as the town of Pembroke, named for railway worker Pembroke Jones. In 1909 the Croatan Normal School was moved there. The earliest buildings in the community were made of wood, with awnings built to cover their entrances. The first brick building was erected in 1922. Around that time, Pates Supply Company, a general store, was established and became the largest business in Pembroke. A highway was established in 1923 along the east–west railroad, and the first street was paved in 1932. Pembroke became a center for Lumbee commercial activity, though most kept to the rural areas of the county. Due to their predominance in the community, the town lacked strict adherence to many Jim Crow norms common in the South in early 20th century. Under the town's incorporating act, its citizens elected a mayor and a board of commissioners every year. Politically, the town fell under the control of its white minority, though by 1917 the Lumbee community had grown…

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all land.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Purnell Swett High
  High · Pembroke · 1,608 students · 17.5:1 ratio
• Prospect Elementary
  Elementary · Maxton · 848 students · 16.3:1 ratio
• Pembroke Middle
  Middle · Pembroke · 698 students · 17.4:1 ratio
• Pembroke Elementary
  Elementary · Pembroke · 692 students · 16.1:1 ratio
• Red Springs Middle
  Middle · Red Springs · 596 students · 19.2:1 ratio
• Peterson Elementary
  Elementary · Red Springs · 540 students · 17.4:1 ratio
• Piney Grove Elementary
  Elementary · Lumberton · 477 students · 17.7:1 ratio
• Union Chapel Elementary
  Elementary · Pembroke · 448 students · 16:1 ratio