The rich soil surrounding Myrtle Grove was very desirable and many other plantations were dotted up and down the Tar River and throughout Edgecombe and Pitt counties. Like Charles Vines, some of the other area planters had landings on the river that allowed them to transport the goods their plantations produced. There are many interesting sites to visit within a few miles of Myrtle Grove, such as the Civil War Trails, which will take you from Tarboro to Old Sparta, right through the middle of Myrtle Grove, and on through Falkland and beyond. Some are open to the public and others may be seen through private tours. Myrtle Grove is pleased to offer luncheon and tour packages that promote the rich history of Edgecombe County.
Myrtle Grove's neighboring plantation, Bracebridge Hall, also referred to locally as the
“Governors mansion”, was built by Jonas Carr and later the home of North
Carolina Governor Elias Carr. This impressive estate has remained in the Carr
family since it was built. Dr. and Mrs. Fletcher Taylor are the current owners.
Mrs. Taylor, (Martina Fillmore Taylor) is the great, great granddaughter of
Governor Carr.
Old Sparta, at one time the address of Myrtle Grove, was once a vibrant small
community, but time and hurricane Floyd destroyed the last
commercial structures there. During the drought of 2008, Old Sparta gained fame
from two exciting finds in the nearly dry river bed: an early pole boat that
once transported cotton and other cash crops down the Tar River, and an early canoe believed to be 250 to 300 years old. The canoe
was removed from the river and is now being stored and preserved at Edgecombe
Community College.
Historic Tarboro, is one of the loveliest
and most interesting towns in North Carolina. Its Town Common is often the site
of many local celebrations, just as it has been since colonial times. Calvary Episcopal
Church and its church yard are a truly spiritual experience. The Edgecombe County
Military Museum honors and displays the artifacts of veterans of all wars. The
1808 Blount-Bridgers House is the home of the Edgecombe County Cultural Arts
Council and the Hobson Pittman Memorial Gallery, which houses the largest
collection of works by Hobson Pittman in the country. The Tarboro-Edgecombe
Farmers Market carries local produce, baked and canned goods, arts and crafts.
Coolmore Plantation, the home of planter and physician Dr. J.J.W. Powell, is a splendid
Italianate villa designed by architect E.G. Lind. Coolmore is one, if not the most
outstanding Antebellum plantation complexes in the state. Coolmore is on the
U.S. National Register of Historic Places, a U.S. National Landmark and is owned
by Preservation North Carolina and is available for private scheduled tours through
their office.
