Orange County was formed in 1752 and is one of the older counties in North Carolina. The County was formed out of land from the nearby Johnston, Bladen, and Granville Counties. The County is named after William V of Orange, the grandson of King George III of England. Native Americans (primarily the Eno, Occaneechi, and Haw Indians) inhabited the area prior to European Settlement. Orange County has a unique history that includes playing a major role in the regulator movement prior to the American Revolution. Some of the communities included in the County are Hillsborough (the County seat), Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Orange County is also considered one of the counties that make up the Research Triangle, primarily because the University of North Carolina is located in Chapel Hill.
