Counties

Hyde County (1705) Encyclopedia

Vast in size, small in population, and rich in history, Hyde County is not only one of North Carolina's earliest founded counties, but also a tourism hot spot and a sanctuary for nature aficionados. 

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Lee County (1907) Encyclopedia

The growing predominance of the railroad had much to do with the formation of Lee County in the early 1900s. In 1907, The North Carolina General Assembly selected pieces of the surrounding Moore and Chatham Counties to create Lee County. Even though it was one of the last counties to be formed in the state (98th), Lee County has been significant to the economy and welfare of North Carolina.

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Lenoir County (1791) Encyclopedia

Landlocked in North Carolina’s Coastal Plains region, Lenoir County is famous for its history, innovation, and as the birthplace of several notable persons.

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Pasquotank County (1668) Encyclopedia

As one of North Carolina’s earliest settled counties, Pasquotank County’s expansive history and beautiful topography contribute to make this county a gem of the state’s Coastal Plains region.

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Randolph County (1779) Encyclopedia

Annexed from Guilford, Randolph County was formed in 1779, and named for Peyton Randolph, a Virginian who once presided over the Continental Congress.

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Craven County (1705) Encyclopedia

One of the most important early colonial counties of North Carolina, Craven County was established in 1712, and its county seat, New Bern, served as the colonial capital until 1788. The Tryon Palace Historic Site remains a popular tourist attraction in Craven County, and New Bern was the site of the first Pepsi-Cola drink ever made. Craven County was the site of the state’s first newspaper and the first charter school.

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Cumberland County (1754) Encyclopedia

Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, victor of the Battle of Culloden that ended the Jacobite Rising, is the namesake of the Coastal Region area known today as Cumberland County. Originally part of Bladen County, Cumberland County was drawn by the Colonial Legislature in 1754.

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Currituck County (1668) Encyclopedia

Founded in 1668, Currituck County was an original port for the colony of North Carolina. A northern Outer Banks county, Currituck serves as an important tourist and outdoor enthusiasts attraction, with the Currituck Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club being the most well-known historical sites. It is recognized as the home to a significant “Banker” pony population.

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Dare County (1870) Encyclopedia

Dare County, one of North Carolina’s coastal counties, has a rich history with national significance.  Named for America’s first English child, Virginia Dare, this northeastern county was originally part of the Tyrrell, Hyde, and Currituck Counties. In 1870, the North Carolina Legislature passed an act that separated Dare County to make transportation improvements as well as an increase in taxing procedures.

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Davidson County (1822) Encyclopedia

Established in 1822, Davidson County is a central, Piedmont county in North Carolina. Davidson County has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era and is known for its furniture industries.  More than a few boast about the area’s distinct barbecue style that is exhibited at the annual Lexington Barbecue Festival.

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Davie County (1836) Encyclopedia

Located in the western Piedmont, Davie County is named in honor of an American Revolutionary Patriot, William Davie. The county was formed in 1836 from Rowan County, and the county seat is Mocksville.

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Duplin County (1750) Encyclopedia

Home to the culturally significant Duplin Winery and Warsaw Veterans Day Celebration, Duplin County was established in 1852. Its county seat is Kenansville, and other townships within the area include Warsaw, Magnolia, and Rose Hill. The state’s first Presbyterian church, the Grove congregation, was formed in the 1700s, and the church continues in its affluence in present Duplin County.

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Durham County (1881) Encyclopedia

Described by an early explorer as the “flower of the Carolinas”, Durham is a central Piedmont county that was annexed from Orange and Wake counties in 1881. Driven by the tobacco industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Durham County was the city of the affluent American Tobacco Company. Today, the Research Triangle Park (RTP) and the medical institutions make Durham a national asset. In addition, Duke University and North Carolina Central University are in the city.

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Forsyth County (1849) Encyclopedia

With deep connections to the Moravian religion and to Reynolds Tobacco, Forsyth County has been an essential region to North Carolina. Named after Benjamin Forsyth, a War of 1812 colonel, the county was formed in 1849 and its seat is Winston-Salem.

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Franklin County (1779) Encyclopedia

Bucolic settings and historical sights abound in a North Carolina county perhaps named after one America’s most eminent founding fathers.

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