At one time, travelers passing through Goldsboro noticed a sign that announced the village as “The Hub of the Universe.” The sign is gone now, but to some of the residents the claim is still appropriate. A quick check of the diversity and volume of traffic flowing along the three state highways that pass through Goldsboro lends credence to the “hub” point of view.

Goldsboro dates back to 1867 when the Delaware and Chesapeake Railroad was completed. The village was called Oldtown then—located on a road called Oldtown Lane. In 1870, the town was renamed Goldsborough for a prominent land owner, Dr. G. W. Goldsborough. The town grew as new roads joined the railroad in bringing business to the area. Canning was a major industry that survived until the middle of the 20th century.

For the most part, industry now has departed Goldsboro, although a concrete and excavation business recently brought new activity to the town. The feed mill and hardware store does a brisk business, and the convenience store located at the “Y” junction of Route 311 and Route 313 carries on the community’s “hub” tradition.

A short distance from the town on Route 311 is historic Castle Hall, built in the 1770s by Thomas Hardcastle. This became the original location of Castle Hall School, which was established around 1820. The property is now a farm, and the mansion is a private home.

A visitor to Goldsboro today will find reminders of the rural past in a community taking the road to smart growth. Nearby state, county, and private recreational facilities make the town an ideal place to embark on a tour of the area—perhaps a canoe trip down the Choptank River, a hike in Tuckahoe State Park, or a visit to Adkins Arboretum.