Williamston in Martin County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Williamston Prisoner-of-War Camp
Williamston Prisoner-of-War Camp, c. 1944-1945. German and Italian prisoners housed in the camp, located along East Main Street near the Roanoke River Bridge, were well though of by the citizens of Martin County. During their stay, the Germans built a life-size nativity scene. It was highly publicized and left as a gift to the town of Williamson after the war. Sadly, in 1958, it was destroyed when the old Williamston City Hall burned. (Courtesy of the J.Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina Manuscript Collection.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.
Location. 35° 51.276′ N, 77° 3.317′ W. Marker is in Williamston, North Carolina, in Martin County. It is on West Main Street (Business U.S. 17) west of North Watts Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 115 W Main St, Williamston NC 27892, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Original Drum Majors of the Williamston Civil Rights Movement (here, next to this marker); Gen. Frank Armstrong (a few steps from this marker); Samuel Johnston (1733-1816) (a few steps from this marker); The History of Williamston (a few steps
this page online
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 206 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
