Topics Related to Firsts

First state university to open its doors, 1795. Chartered in 1789 under the Constitution of 1776.

Location: US 15 in StovallCounty: GranvilleOriginal Date Cast: 1936(Note: The John Penn marker was the first sign erected under the North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program, on January 10, 1936.)The life of John Penn (1740-1788) provides an early example of the American dream. With nothing more than a rudimentary education, Penn rose through legal and political circles to ultimately become one of three North Carolinians to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Pioneer female African American lawyer. First to be licensed in N.C., 1933. Was Secretary of N.Y.C. Board of Estimate, 1951-73. Lived ½ mi. SE.

The first Secretary of State of N.C., 1777-98. Glasgow (now Greene) County was named for him. Convicted of land fraud. Lived 2 mi. N.E.

Last Sec'y of War & first Sec'y of Army, 1947-49. Attorney; state senator; brig. gen., 1943-45. Led military justice reform. Home was here.

Organized May 14, 1873. J. A. Engelhard elected first president at meeting held near this spot.

Member of N.C. Senate, 1829-1836; Speaker, 1833-1835. First governor of State of Florida, 1845-1849. Home was 1 mi. N.

First governor of State of N.C., served 1776-80 & 1785-87. Patriot General during the Revolution. Was buried ½ mile S.

One of three original justices of the N.C. Supreme Court, 1819-1832. Grave 1 block S.

Originally Anglican, 1740; later Methodist. In 1828 first annual conference of Methodist Protestant Church met here. This is third building on site.