As mayor of this nationally recognized city, I welcome you to the City of Fayetteville, N.C. website. Hopefully, this avenue will give you examples of what makes this city so special.

Located next door to Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, this All-America City winner is the home of 207,445 people, one of the largest cities in the state. Named after Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, there is plenty of history in Fayetteville.

In 1789, North Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution in Fayetteville. Also in 1789, The University of North Carolina, America’s oldest public university, was chartered here. During his infamous march through the south, General Sherman seized the city in 1865 and ordered the Federal Arsenal burned. Famous African American novelist Charles Chestnutt was one of the early leaders of The Howard School, which is now Fayetteville State University. Fayetteville was the setting for his novel The House Behind The Cedars. In March 1914, George Herman “Babe” Ruth hit his first professional homerun at Fayetteville’s old Cape Fear Fairgrounds on Gillespie Street. “Babe” acquired his nickname here.

We are also known for our heroes, thanks to our strong ties with the military. The Airborne & Special Operations Museum and Freedom Memorial Park in downtown Fayetteville are clear indicators of that. This city is always grateful for our heroes - past, present and future.

Having grown up in the Massey Hill community of Fayetteville, I have experienced this city’s hometown feeling. We have pleasant neighborhoods, friendly people and a helping of southern hospitality, which are hard to find in other metropolitan areas.

I hope that you enjoy the website, and invite you to visit our city for a first-hand experience of History, Heroes, a Hometown Feeling.

Sincerely yours,

Mayor Anthony G. Chavonne
433 Hay Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
433-1992 Fax 433-1948