Orange County was created in 1752 from Johnston, Bladen, and Granville counties. It was named in honor of the infant, William V of Orange.

The first courthouse was authorized to be established in 1754 where the western path crossed the Eno River on the land of James Watson. Childsburg was established in 1759 and was changed to Hillsborough in 1766, which has been the county seat ever since.