Granville, a county in the N. part of North Carolina, bordering on Virginia: area estimated at 750 square miles. It is intersected by the Tar river, and also drained by several creeks which flow S. into the Neuse. The surface is undulating or hilly; the soil is fertile. Indian corn, tobacco, and pork are the staples. In 1850 this county produced 551,365 bushels of corn, and 3,420,884 pounds of tobacco. The quantity of tobacco was the greatest produced by any county in the state. There were 14 corn and flour mills, 3 saw mills, and 3 tanneries. It contained 26 churches, and 1 newspaper office. Sandstone underlies a large part of the surface. It is intersected by the Raleigh and Gaston railroad. Capital, Oxford. It was formed in 1746, and derived its name from the title of the proprietor, the Earl of Granville. Population, 21,249, of whom 11,384 were free, and 9865, slaves.