As the Civil War loomed, Greenville was divided over the issue of secession, as were several area towns and counties.

In World War II, the Mexican Escuadrón 201 was stationed in Greenville while training at nearby Majors Field.

"[13][14] In pre-civil rights America, the phrase "That's mighty White of you" meant that you were honest, not like suspect Blacks.

[14] In 1957, Greenville annexed the small town of Peniel, which had been founded in 1899 as a Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene community centered around Texas Holiness University.

[15] On May 12, 2011, a white buffalo was born near Greenville during a thunderstorm on the ranch of Arby Littlesoldier, who identified himself as a great-great-grandson of Sitting Bull.

The sheriff's department declared it had died from a bacterial infection,[17] but the owners disagree, claiming that the buffalo was allegedly skinned by an unknown party.

Due to its location on the Northeast Texas prairies, its weather is typically humid with mild precipitation.

This airport, created in 1942 and initially financed by the local Rotary Club, was used as a training base for P-47 Thunderbolt fighter pilots in World War II, and since then has served as a focal point for economic growth in Greenville.

Tourism is playing an increasing role in the local economy, with attractions such as Splash Kingdom Water Park located on Interstate 30, and the redeveloping historic downtown featuring Landon Winery and the restored vintage Texan Theater, which opened in 2014.

The historic Texan Theatre brings in multiple concerts each year, and local clubs with musical entertainment, live theater in nearby Commerce, local art shows, a movie theater and a bowling alley offer year-round entertainment.

The Lee Street Jamboree is held the third weekend each September and includes the Cotton Patch Challenge Bicycle Ride.

In November each year the Bob Wills Fiddle Festival is held downtown and at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium.

Texas A&M University-Commerce, a major university of over 12,000 students, is located 15 miles (24 km) northeast in Commerce.

[33] Commercial and residential developments line the interstate from Monty Stratton Parkway through Lamar Street.