History

Named for Dr. Bartlett Durham, Durham originated in 1853 as a railroad depot. Durham was incorporated in 1869 and soon became known for its tobacco and textiles.  The tobacco manufacturing industry focused worldwide attention on the area after the Civil War.  Bull Durham Tobacco and American Tobacco Trust combined to produce a majority of US cigarettes and smoking tobacco.  As a result of that thriving business, Durham grew and prospered tremendously.

The tobacco industry dominated the city.  Durham quickly developed a vibrant community.  Although the center of the African-American community was an area known as 'Hayti' (pronounced HAY-Tie), members of the African-American community established some of the most prominent and successful African-American-owned businesses in the country during the early 20th century.  These businesses, the best known of which are North Carolina Mutual Insurance Co., and Mechanics & Farmers' Bank, were centered on Parrish St. in downtown Durham, which would come to be known as "Black Wall Street".

In the 1950s, Durham took on a new venture with the development of Research Triangle Park.  The region benefited significantly from this establishment, bringing several large businesses and industries to the area.  Due to this development, the tobacco industry began to experience the effects. A new era in economic development was ushered in and the economic base in Durham began its tranformation.

Durham's growth began to rekindle during the 1980s, with the construction of multiple housing developments, and the beginnings of downtown revitalization. Today, Durham continues to grow and prosper with new industry .