Broadway, North Carolina

Broadway is a town in Lee County, North Carolina, United States. According to the 2010 Census, the population was 1,229.HistoryAccording to book, "Broadway North Carolina: 1870-1970", Broadway was settled in 1870 and incorporated as a town in 1907. The name Broadway comes from the fact that a broad level opening in the vast pine forest which covered the area at that time existed. Among the early settlers of the area which is now Broadway were: Hugh Matthews, Grisham Thomas, Tilmon Thomas, M.M. Watson, and Captain J.O.A. Kelly. There were also African Americans that settled near Broadway. Some African American family names that settled in the area were the Buchanan's, Cameron's, McLean's, Minter's, and Womack's. A small portion of the town extends into Harnett County. The population was 1,015 at the 2000 census. Broadway celebrated the centennial of its settlement in October 1970. During this event men and women had a street dance and dressed as they did in the 1870s. Broadway celebrated the centennial of its incorporation as well as the centennial of Lee County in 2007. Broadway recently celebrated "Broadway Our Way" in April 2009, which turned out to be a great success, so much so that future "Broadway Our Ways" are being planned. A few years into the 21st century, many citizens of Broadway town proper paid a visit to New York to see a Broadway Show, and in return Broadway, New York came to Broadway, North Carolina. A show was put on at Broadway Elementary School with Sandy Duncan, actress of television and stage leading the way.GovernmentThe government of Broadway is set up as with a mayor and town council. Past mayors of Broadway include: M.A. McLeod, A.P. Thomas, Vernon Stevens, Sion Hubert Rosser, Leonard Rosser, H.A. Thomas, Mrs. Thelma Sloan, Ralph Hunter, Henry Green, Harold Harrington, and the current mayor at this writing is Don Andrews Jr.