Farmville’s charter of incorporation was ratified on February 12, 1872.

The Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1916.

The Pitt County Female Institute was built in 1857.  The first free school opened around 1882.

In 1988, Farmville constructed a new Town Hall and Courtroom and created the beautifully landscaped Town Common, including a gazebo and the Millennium Fountain.  Built entirely by citizen donations, the three levels of water represent the past, present and future.  The fountain symbolizes the community’s commitment to honor the past and shape the future.
The first town hall of record was a two story wood building built at the turn of the century on Wilson Street.  It included a mayor’s office, a jail, a market and stable.  It was replaced by a brick structure that still stands today.  In 1929, a new municipal building was constructed on North Main Street.  That building now houses the Farmville Fire Department.

Preservation efforts in Farmville’s downtown area have saved a number of historic structures.  A stroll down the quaint Main Street will reveal several buildings that date back to the early 1900’s and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The Paramount Theatre, an art-deco movie house dating back to 1921, has been converted into the home of Farmville’s Community Arts Council.

The May Museum and Park on Main Street is dedicated to preserving and interpreting Farmville area history.  The home was built around the 1860’s by James William May and was renovated as a museum in 1991.