[4] The Pitt County portion of the town is a part of the Greenville Metropolitan Statistical Area located in North Carolina's Inner Banks region.

However, this bridge had a short lifespan, leading Franklin Bell, a nearby blacksmith and chair-maker, to operate a ferry across the creek.

As a result, the location earned the name Bell's Ferry, which persisted even after the county erected a fresh bridge over the creek in 1869.

North Carolina Highway 11 passes just west of the town, leading north 13 miles (21 km) to Greenville, the Pitt county seat, and southwest 7 miles (11 km) to Kinston, the Lenoir county seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.73 square miles (7.07 km2), all land.

[9] The Shad Festival was suggested by then North Carolina extension agent Ed Comer.

There are now 40 events, ranging from parade and pony rides to art show, clogging, Hispanic dances, lying contest, historical museum and athletic competitions, including the Shad Toss (throwing real fish).