Hurricane Mattthew

Mayor Billy Hammond and other town leaders came up with a dramatic plan to address repeat flooding: build a whole new downtown-style commercial district a few blocks up the street on higher ground.

Princeville, which stakes its claim as the first in the U.S. founded by Black Americans nearly 140 years ago, has flooded many times. Two hurricanes 17 years apart created catastrophic flooding in the town, which was built on swampy, low-lying land.

Last October Hurricane Matthew caused more than two dozen deaths in North Carolina. Floods damaged much of the eastern part of the state, and communities…

Last October Hurricane Matthew caused more than two dozen deaths in North Carolina. Floods damaged much of the eastern part of the state, and communities…