Downtown Smithfield Historic District, Smithfield, North Carolina, listed on the NRHP in Johnston County, North Carolina

Downtown Smithfield Historic District is a neighborhood in North Carolina with about 24 buildings constructed starting in the 1890s and carefully preserved over time. The structures feature brick and wood construction with large windows and decorative details, arranged in a simple grid pattern that invites walking exploration.

The district emerged in the 1890s as a trading hub where nearby farmers bought and sold goods. Over time, the buildings grew in importance as the town developed, with many serving as shops, banks, and meeting places that shaped local history.

The district's name comes from the Smithfield of Johnston County, and its 24 contributing buildings line the central business district. The Hood Brothers Building is listed separately on the National Register. The Howell Theater, built in 1935, is among the buildings that still define the streetfront.

The district is easy to explore on foot, with a simple grid layout and parking available nearby. Visitors can stroll leisurely from place to place, discovering shops, restaurants, and historic sites at a comfortable pace without rushing.

The Hood Brothers Building is listed on the National Register separately from the district's 24 contributing buildings. The district's period of construction runs from about the 1890s to the 1930s, and its listing dates to 1993. The Municipal Building dates to 1937, two years after the Howell Theater.