Townsville, North Carolina facts for kids

Townsville is a small, quiet place located in northern Vance County, North Carolina, in the United States. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it's a town that doesn't have its own local government. Instead, it's managed by the county.

Townsville sits where N.C. Highway 39 meets Tungsten Mine Road. It's about 13 miles (21 km) north of a bigger town called Henderson. The area is also close to the John H. Kerr Reservoir, a large lake, and the border with the state of Virginia.

A Look Back: Townsville's History

Townsville is located in Vance County, North Carolina.

Townsville has a long history, going back to about 1821. When it was first settled, it was called Townesville. Before 1851, it was even known by another name: Lynesville!

For many years, Townsville was part of Granville County. Then, in 1881, a new county was formed called Vance County, and Townsville became part of it.

The first post office in Townsville opened on April 5, 1855. William D. Hughes was the very first postmaster. The town's name officially changed from Townesville to Townsville in 1892. Today, the United States Post Office in Townsville uses the ZIP Code 27584.

After Vance County was created, the state of North Carolina required counties to be divided into smaller areas called townships. These townships help the county manage things better. Townsville Township is one of these areas, and it includes the community of Townsville.

Historic Places in Townsville

One important historical spot in Townsville is a place called Machpelah. This is a historic home and farm that was built around 1880. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, which means it's recognized as a special place worth preserving.

How Many People Live Here?

Over the years, the number of people living in Townsville Township has changed. Here's a quick look at the population from past U.S. Census records:

• In 1910, there were 1,489 people.
• By 1920, the population grew to 1,597.
• In 1930, it reached 1,680 residents.
• And in 1940, the population was 1,675.