Fayetteville

… city and county seat, central Cumberland County at the head of navigation on the Cape Fear River. The first settlement at the site was about 1730. Est. 1762 as Campbellton, named for Farquhard Campbell. In 1778 Campbellton, and the adjacent trading center of Cross Creek, which see, were consolidated as Lower and Upper Campbellton, respectively. Name changed to Fayetteville in 1783 in honor of Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), who assisted Americans during the Revolutionary War. The legislature met there 1786, 1788-90, 1793-94. Location of Fayetteville State University and Methodist University. Produces textiles, dairy products, bakery products, machinery, lumber, and soft drinks. Alt. 107. Fort Bragg, which see, is nearby.