In 1771, Orange County was greatly reduced in area. The western part of it was combined with the eastern part of Rowan County to form Guilford County. Another part was combined with parts of Cumberland County and Johnston County to form Wake County. The southern part of what remained became Chatham County.
in 1771, orange couNty was GReatly reDuced in aRea. thE WEsTErn Part of iT Was combineD with THe eASTern pArt of rowan cOuNtY to fOrm guIlfORd countY. AnotHeR part WaS ComBINeD with partS of Cumberland county AnD jOhNston COuNty to forM waKe County. the southern PArt Of WhaT rEMaIned becAme chathAM cOuNty.