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 streets host local shops and cafes where residents and visitors naturally gather and chat. The way people use this space and the buildings reflect how a small American town values community and locally made goods.
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 district is home to the Ava Gardner Museum, dedicated to the town's most famous former resident, displaying costumes, photos, and movie posters from her career. Nearby, the Howell Theatre has shown movies since 1935, preserving the look and feel of theaters from earlier times.
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