Mecklenburg County NC
Mecklenburg County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2006, the population was 827,445. Its county seat is Charlotte6. It is the most populous county in the state.
History
Mecklenburg County was formed in 1762 from the western part of Anson County. It was named for the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818), who had become queen consort of King George III the previous year. She is also the eponym of Mecklenburg County's county seat and largest city, Charlotte.
In 1768 the part of Mecklenburg County west of the Catawba River became Tryon County. The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was allegedly signed on May 20, 1775; if the document is indeed genuine, Mecklenburg County was the first part of the Thirteen Colonies to declare independence from Great Britain. In 1792 the northeastern part of Mecklenburg County became Cabarrus County. Finally, in 1842 the southeastern part of Mecklenburg County was combined with the western part of Anson County to become Union County.
James Knox Polk, the eleventh President of the United States, was born here in 1795 in what is now Pineville.
Law and government
Mecklenburg County is a member of the regional Centralina Council of Governments.
The County has two governing bodies: the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. Both are nine member boards, with six district representatives and three representatives elected at-large by the entire county. The current chairman of the Mecklenburg BOCC is Jennifer Roberts.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,415 km² (546 mi²). 1,363 km² (526 mi²) of it is land and 52 km² (20 mi²) of it (3.65%) is water.
Municipalities
Mecklenburg County contains seven (7) municipalities including the City of Charlotte and the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville (north of Charlotte); and the towns of Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville (south and east of Charlotte). Extra-territorial jurisdictions within the county are annexed by municipalities as soon as they reach sufficient concentrations.
One common school district, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), serves the entire county.
Adjacent Counties
Iredell County, North Carolina - north
Cabarrus County, North Carolina - northeast
Union County, North Carolina - southeast
Lancaster County, South Carolina - south
York County, South Carolina - southwest
Gaston County, North Carolina - west
Lincoln County, North Carolina - northwest
Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 695,454 people, 273,416 households, and 174,986 families residing in the county. The population density was 510/km² (1,322/mi²). There were 292,780 housing units at an average density of 215/km² (556/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 64.02% White, 27.87% Black or African American, 0.35% Native American, 3.15% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.01% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. 6.45% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race, and growing. This is especially evident around the town of Pineville/South Blvd. and the area of Eastland/Central in Charlotte.
There were 273,416 households out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.70% were married couples living together, 12.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.00% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.10% under the age of 18, 9.70% from 18 to 24, 36.40% from 25 to 44, 20.30% from 45 to 64, and 8.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 96.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.60 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $50,579, and the median income for a family was $60,608. Males had a median income of $40,934 versus $30,100 for females. The per capita income for the county was $27,352. About 6.60% of families and 9.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.50% of those under age 18 and 9.30% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
Charlotte
Cornelius
Davidson
Huntersville
Matthews
Mint Hill
Pineville
Original Townships of Mecklenburg County
In 1959, the North Carolina State Legislature revised laws that govern how cities may annex adjacent areas, allowing municipalities to annex unincorporated lands without permission of those residents.[1] Due to decades of an aggressive annexation policy, cities (especially Charlotte) have greatly expanded their borders,[2] diminishing or totally engulfing all of the original 15 Townships of Mecklenburg County. Although seldom mentioned by residents anymore, the U.S. Census still recognizes all of the Townships except Sharon Township.(see modern map).
Charlotte Township - completely annexed into the City of Charlotte
Mallard Creek Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Crab Orchard Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Clear Creek Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte and Mint Hill annexation
Morning Star Township - almost entirely annexed by Charlotte, Mint Hill, and Matthews
Sharon Township - completely annexed into Charlotte and eliminated
Providence Township - almost entirely annexed into Charlotte
Pineville Township - mostly annexed by the City of Pineville
Steele Creek Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Berryhill Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Paw Creek Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Long Creek Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Deweese Township - reduced by Davidson and Cornelius annexation
Huntersville Township - reduced by Huntersville annexation
Lemley Township - mostly beneath Lake Norman since it was created in 1963, and reduced by Huntersville annexation
Source: Wikipedia
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Mecklenburg County NC
Wake County, North Carolina
Wake County, North Carolina
Consistently rated as one of the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, the NC State Fair and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. Wake County is also the center of state government, with our Capitol Building, legislature and many government offices located in Raleigh.
Wake County, North Carolina, is consistently rated as one of the best places to live and work in America! With our welcoming climate, major universities, nationally recognized public schools, exciting sports teams, a variety of museums and parks, great shops and restaurants, and emphasis on history -- Wake County has become home to many people who relocate here each year and is one of the fastest growing areas in the state.
Wake County is the second-most populous County in North Carolina. The County consists of 12 municipalities and includes Raleigh, the county seat and state capital. A unique mix of urban and rural small towns distinguishes Wake County from other counties and provides something for every lifestyle. The County has a population of more than 750,000 residents. The County’s General Fund budget is currently $747 million, and the County has approximately 3,400 employees. The County has a seven-year capital plan totaling $1.2 billion and grants in excess of $100 million per year.
The weather in Wake County is defined as moderate. The area's average annual rainfall is 44.7 inches per year, with an inconsistent annual snowfall of less than 2 inches per year. The average low temperature is 47 degrees, and the average high temperature is 73 degrees. The area enjoys long spring, summer and fall seasons, with relatively short winters. Highs can reach into the 90s during the peak of the summer and around freezing during the winter months.
Wake County greets more than 10 million visitors every year! Tourism brings $1.13 billion to Wake County annually -- that's $3.1 million every day! It also helps with employment, contributing to 21,500 direct jobs in the hospitality, retail and other service sectors.
With our welcoming climate, exciting sports teams, a variety of museums and parks, great shops and restaurants, and emphasis on history, Wake County has something to offer everyone -- no matter whether you are young or a senior, whether you are single or have a large family.
Geographic Facts
The size of the County is 549,000 acres, or 860 sq. miles, or 2,212 sq. kilometers. From east to west, it measures 46 miles. From north to south, it measures 39 miles.
The highest point in the County, about 540 feet above sea level, is a quarter of a mile north of Leesville.
The lowest point in the County, about 160 feet above sea level, is a half of a mile southeast of Shotwell, where Marks Creek flows into Johnston County.
The geographic center of Wake County is in Raleigh, near Broughton High School.
The County is considered to be in a transitional zone between the Piedmont uplands and the coastal plain and, therefore, within the fall zone.
The Neuse River and its tributaries drain about 80% of the County, and the southwestern part is drained by tributaries of the Cape Fear River. The stream network generally flows in a southeasterly direction.
History
The county was formed in 1771 from parts of Cumberland County, Johnston County, and Orange County. It was named for Margaret Wake, wife of Governor William Tryon.
In 1881 parts of Wake County and Orange County were combined to form Durham County. In 1911 Cedar Fork Township of Wake County was transferred to Durham County and became Carr Township.
Politics
Wake County is the second most heavily populated county in North Carolina, with, as of July 2005, a population of approximately 750,000. Although Democratic presidential candidates have only won the county in three of the last 12 elections (Kennedy in 1960, Johnson in 1964 and Clinton in 1992), the races have almost always been close, such as in 1980, when Ronald Reagan won by a landslide nationwide, but by a mere 1% in Wake County. Recently, Republican George W. Bush won the county in 2000 with 53% and defeated John Kerry in 2004 by a slim 51% to 49%.
Recently, statewide Democrats have fared well here; in the 1998 Senate Race, Democrat John Edwards won in Wake County, which helped him in his defeat of incumbent Republican Lauch Faircloth. In 2000 Democrat Governor Mike Easley won here with 55% of the vote. In 2004, Easley won again in Wake County by nearly 20%, winning with 59% to 40% for opponent Patrick Ballantine. Democratic candidate for US Senate Erskine Bowles won in Wake County with 52 percent, despite losing statewide to Richard Burr by the same margin. In 2002, however, Republican Elizabeth Dole defeated Bowles with 55% of the vote here, and won by a large margin statewide.
Democratic voters are mainly located in the city of Raleigh, while Republicans are the majority in the rural areas in the north and western parts of the county. The outskirts of Raleigh, and the cities of Cary and Apex are where most of the swing voters are located.
Townships
The county is divided into twenty townships: Bartons Creek, Buckhorn, Cary, Cedar Fork, Holly Springs, House Creek, Leesville, Little River, Marks Creek, Meredith, Middle Creek, Neuse, New Light, Panther Branch, Raleigh, St. Mary's, St. Matthew's, Swift Creek, Wake Forest, and White Oak.
Adjacent Counties
Granville County, North Carolina - north
Franklin County, North Carolina - northeast
Nash County, North Carolina - east
Johnston County, North Carolina - southeast
Harnett County, North Carolina - southwest
Chatham County, North Carolina - west
Durham County, North Carolina - northwest
Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 627,846 people, 242,040 households, and 158,778 families residing in the county. The population density was 291/km² (755/mi²). There were 258,953 housing units at an average density of 120/km² (311/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 72.40% White, 19.72% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 3.38% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.48% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. 5.41% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 242,040 households out of which 34.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.50% were married couples living together, 9.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.40% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.10% under the age of 18, 10.70% from 18 to 24, 36.50% from 25 to 44, 20.40% from 45 to 64, and 7.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 98.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $54,988, and the median income for a family was $67,149. Males had a median income of $44,472 versus $31,579 for females. The per capita income for the county was $27,004. About 4.90% of families and 7.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.60% of those under age 18 and 8.90% of those age 65 or over.
Municipalities
Apex
Cary
Fuquay-Varina
Garner
Holly Springs
Knightdale
Morrisville
Raleigh
Rolesville
Wake Forest
Wendell
Zebulon
Unincorporated communities
Auburn
Bonsal
Carpenter
Feltonville
Green Level
Kennebec
Lizard Lick
New Hill
Swift Creek
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Alamance County, North Carolina
Alamance County, NC Facts and Information
Alamance County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It coincides with the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. Formed in 1849 from Orange County to the east, Alamance County has been the site of significant historical events, textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture in North Carolina.
As of 2006, the estimated population of the county and MSA was 142,661. Its county seat is Graham.
Before being formed as a county, the region had at least one known small Southeastern tribe of Native American in the 1700s - the Sissipahaw who lived in the area bound by modern Saxapahaw, Hawfields and Haw River locations in the county European Americans entered the region largely following Native American trading paths that became the basis of the railroad and interstate highway routes[4]. The county was formed January 29, 1849 from Orange County. It was named after Great Alamance Creek, site of the Battle of Alamance (May 16, 1771), in which militia under the command of Governor William Tryon crushed the Regulator movement. The Great Alamance Creek, and in turn the Little Alamance Creek, according to legend, were named after a local Native American word to describe the blue mud that was found at the bottom of the creeks.
Several other small battles occurred during the American Revolution in the Alamance County area during the lead-up to the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, including Pyle's Massacre and the Battle of Lindley's Mill, and the Battle of Clapp's Mill.
Civil War and aftermath
In 1861, the United States began to fragment due to growing questions of states' rights concerning issues of money, agriculture, representation, and slavery. In February of that year, a peace conference was held in Washington, DC. North Carolina sent five delegates to this conference, including Chief Justice Thomas Ruffin of Haw River, an Alamance County community. Justice Ruffin was opposed to secession, but was voted down. Later on, President Buchanan said that if Ruffin had persisted, the war might have been averted. In March, 1861, Alamance County residents voted against North Carolina's secession from the Union, 1,114 to 254. Hostilities would later prove that vote moot.
Alamance County joined the rest of North Carolina as the state split off from the Union and joined the Confederate States. Although no battles took place in the county itself, Alamance County did send its share of sons and brothers to the front lines. Only in the last months of the war did the residents of the county see a significant number of troops. Most important of these events was when President Jefferson Davis dictated a note to General Johnston for Union General Sherman. General Johnston delivered that note, stopping in Company Shops to drop off some of the last of his men.
Alamance County Courthouse in Graham, NC.Some of the most significant effects of the Civil War were seen after the war. Alamance County briefly became a center of natioanl attention when, in 1870, a confrontation between local residents and an apparently corrupt Army colonel led to several people being wrongfully accused and arrested for various crimes. Only after involvement by a U. S. District Judge were these men and women freed and cleared of crimes. This event came to be known as the Kirk-Holden War, and it lead to the impeachment and removal of Governor William Holden by the North Carolina Legislature in 1871.
Textiles
The Holt family began the textile industry in the county in the 1800s. Textiles became the county's largest source of industry and nearly every community in the county contained a textile mill by the early 1900s. Most of the mills were located along the Haw River which provided a cheap easy source of energy. Glencoe, Saxapahaw, Swepsonville, Bellemont, Alamance, Haw River and Burlington all contained textile mills and all these communities were located on the Haw River or tributaries of the river. The Holt's became famous for producing "Alamance Plaids" used mainly in tablecloths. Most of the plants have now gone out of business. Burlington was, also, home to Burlington Industries.
Dairy industry
The county was once the state leader in dairy production. Several dairies including Melville Dairy in Burlington were headquartered in the county. With increasing real estate prices and a slump in milk prices, most dairy farms have been sold and many of them developed for real estate purposes.
Airplanes and radars
During World War II Fairchild built airplanes at a plant on the eastern side of Burlington. Among the planes built at the plant were the AT-21 gunner used to train bomber pilots. Near the Fairchild plant was the Western Electric Burlington works. The plant built radar equipment and guidance systems for missiles on top of many other electronics for the government. The guidance system for the Titan missile was built there. The plant was closed in 1992 and sat abandoned until 2005, when it was purchased by a local businessman for manufacturing
Politics
Alamance County has provided North Carolina with three of its governors and two U. S. Senators: Governor Thomas Holt, Governor and U. S. Senator Kerr Scott, Governor Robert W. (Bob) Scott (Kerr Scott's son), and U. S. Senator B. Everett Jordan.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,126 km² (435 mi²). 1,114 km² (430 mi²) of it is land and 12 km² (5 mi²) of it (1.10%) is water.
The county is in the Piedmont physiographical region. The county has a general rolling terrain with the Cane Creek Mountains rising to over 970 ft.[7] in the south central part of the county just north of Snow Camp. Bass Mountain one of the prominent hills in the range is home to a world renowned Bluegrass music festival every year. There are also isolated monadnocks in the northern part of the county that rise to near or over 900 ft. above sea level.
The largest river that flows through Alamance County is the Haw River, which eventually feeds into Jordan Lake in Chatham County, eventually leading to the Cape Fear River. The county is also home to numerous creeks, streams, and ponds, including the Great Alamance Creek, where a portion of the Battle of Alamance was fought. There are 3 large municipal reservoirs: Lake Cammack, Lake Mackintosh, and Graham-Mebane Lake (formerly Quaker Lake).
ARTS
Paramount Theater serves as the center of dramatic presentations in the community.
Old Dam at Cedarock Park
Alamance County, Burlington, Graham, Elon, Haw River, Swepsonville, and Mebane all have other small parks that are not listed here. Major parks include:
Alamance County
Cedarock Park, located 6 miles south of the Intersection of Interstate 85/40 and NC Highway 49. Cedarock Park is home to the Cedarock Historic Farm, an Old Mill Dam, and 2 Disc Golf Courses.
City of Burlington
City Park, located in Burlington off of U.S. Highway 70 (Church Street), and is home to a Dentzel Carousel built between 1906 and 1910 and several train-based rides, signifying Burlington's place in history as the Company Shops Train Depot.
Indian Valley Golf Course, an 18-hole operated by the City of Burlington
Lake Mackintosh Marina, located off of Huffman Mill Rd.
ECONOMY
Today, Alamance County is often described as a "bedroom" community, with many residents living in the county and working elsewhere due to low tax rates, although the county is still a major player in the textile and manufacturing industries.
The current county-wide tax rate for Alamance County residents is 57.5 cents per $100 valuation. This does not include tax rates imposed by municipalities or fire districts.
Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 130,800 people, 51,584 households, and 35,541 families residing in the county. The population density was 117/km² (304/mi²). There were 55,463 housing units at an average density of 50/km² (129/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 75.61% White, 18.76% Black or African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.90% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 3.19% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. 6.75% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 51,584 households out of which 31.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.10% were married couples living together, 12.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.10% were non-families. 26.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.80% under the age of 18, 9.90% from 18 to 24, 29.90% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 14.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 92.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $39,168, and the median income for a family was $46,479. Males had a median income of $31,906 versus $23,367 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,391. About 7.60% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.30% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or over.
Famous People From Alamance County NC
Jacob Brent, born in Graham, starred as Mr. Mistoffelees in the broadway and home video version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats.
Billy Bryan, Center for the Denver Broncos from 1977-1988 grew up in Burlington.
Several generations of Alex Haley's family may have lived in Alamance County as noted in his 1976 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family - coming from Africa to Virginia, to Caswell County to Alamance County and moving to Tennessee after the Emancipation Proclamation
Governor Thomas Holt, Governor of North Carolina from 1891-1893.
John "John Boy" Isley born and raised in Graham, is "John Boy" of the John Boy and Billy Show broadcast on radio stations around the nation.
Charley Jones, born in Alamance County, major league baseball player
U. S. Senator B. Everett Jordan, U. S. Senator (Class 2) from 1958-1973
Don Kernodle, born in Burlington, wrestler who appeared in Paradise Alley with Sylvester Stallone
Jack McKeon, Manager of the 2003 World Series champion Florida Marlins has lived in Alamance County.
Blanche Taylor Moore, a convicted murderer whose life story was portrayed in the television movie "Black Widow: The Blanche Taylor Moore Story", starring Elizabeth Montgomery.
Agriculture Commissioner Meg Scott Phipps, North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner (2001-2003)
Tequan Richmond, born in Burlington, stars as Drew Rock in Everybody Hates Chris, and played a young Ray Charles in the movie Ray
Governor Robert W. (Bob) Scott (Kerr Scott's son), Governor of North Carolina from 1969-1973
Governor and U. S. Senator Kerr Scott, Governor of North Carolina from 1949-1953, U. S. Senator (Class 2) from 1954-1958
Nash County, North Carolina
Nash County, NC Facts and Information
Nash County was formed in 1777 from the western part of Edgecombe County. Located in the northeast section of the state, it is bounded by Edgecombe, Wilson, Johnston, Franklin, and Halifax counties. It was named for General Francis Nash (1742-77), of Hillsborough, a soldier who was mortally wounded while fighting under General George Washington at Germantown during the American Revolution. Nashville, the county seat, was settled in 1780 and chartered in 1815. First land grants in the area date back to 1743.
Nash County has a total area of 542.71 square miles, with 540.33 square miles of land area. The average temperature is 61.9 degrees with the average temperature in January of 39° F and the average July temperature of 78° F. The average rainfall is 43 inches. The elevation of Nash County is 180 feet above sea level.
After the Revolution, which touched the county only lightly, Nash County settled down to a pace that made it one of the State's leading farm areas. Since the Civil War, it has been known primarily as a leading agricultural county, but it has experienced steady industrial growth since that time. Currently, only 2.4% of the total employment within the county is classified as agricultural. However, Nash County ranks 8th in area devoted to farmland in North Carolina.
Nash County could be classified as either a northern coastal plain county or a far eastern piedmont county. It has a primarily rolling terrain with sandy soil, however, brick and tile clays are found along the Tar River, which flows through Nash County and Rocky Mount. A granite belt is located relatively close to the surface and extends westward from the city for about 20 miles.
The average rainfall in Nash County is 43 inches. The average temperature is 61.9 degrees with the January average temperature 39 degrees Fahrenheit and the average July temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nash County Population
According to the most recent census results, the population of Nash County in 2000 was 87,420 making it the 30th largest county in the state. The largest city within the county is Rocky Mount, with a population of 55,893 according to the most recent census results, population of the Rocky Mount MSA was 145,571. Other Nash County towns and their latest census counts are:
Nashville - 4,309
Red Oak - 2,723
Sharpsburg - 2,421
Spring Hope - 1,261
Middlesex - 838
Dortches - 809
Whitakers - 799
Bailey - 670
Castalia - 340
Momeyer - 291
Nash County has an abundant water supply from the Tar River and its tributary creeks. A 1,400 acre reservoir on the Tar River, southwest of Rocky Mount, was completed in 1971. In addition to ensuring an abundant water supply, it offers attractive recreational areas with fishing, water skiing and boating.
HEALTH CARE
Nash Health Care Systems encompasses Nash General Hospital, Nash Day Hospital, Coastal Plain Hospital & Counseling Center and Bryant T. Aldridge Rehabilitation Center. Nash General Hospital, a 300-bed acute care facility, was opened in 1971. This seven-story facility was the first hospital in the state to have all-private rooms. Expansion has created Nash Day Hospital, the first freestanding outpatient facility in the nation. Nash Day offers radiology, radiation oncology, surgery, rehabilitation, laboratory and endoscopy services. Nash Day is also home to the Rocky Mount Heartburn Treatment Center, a nationally recognized center of excellence for the treatment of heartburn. Coastal Plain Hospital & Psychiatric Center is a 50-bed psychiatric care and substance abuse center. Opened in November 1999, Aldridge Rehab Center is a 23-bed comprehensive rehabilitation state-of-the-art facility featuring a therapeutic swimming pool and gymnasium as well as an innovative walking garden. The number for Nash Health Care Systems is (252) 443-8000.
Edgecombe-Nash Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Services is located at 500 Nash Medical Arts Mall on the Nash General Hospital campus. This agency provides and/or makes referrals to private vendors for a number of services for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse needs. These include outpatient therapy, emergency services, consultation and education, case management; Referral to inpatient psychiatric services for children, adolescents, adults, and elderly individuals who are acutely mentally ill; Referral to Inpatient hospitalization detoxification services for individuals who are alcohol or drug abusers; referral to Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program for consumers with severe and persistent mental illness; Adult developmental activity program (ADAP) for individuals who are developmentally disabled; Alcohol and drug education traffic schools (ADETS), Drug education schools (DES) and Inpatient hospitalization detoxification services for individuals who are alcohol or drug abusers; Provision of and referral to either social setting, non-hospital medical, or outpatient detoxification services for individuals who are alcoholics as well as forensic services for individuals of all disability groups. Their phone number is (252) 937-8141.
TRANSPORTATION
Nash County features a range of transportation facilities. Served by the main line of the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, along the eastern boundary, the Nash County Railroad serves the central portion of the county and the southern portion of the county is served by Norfolk and Southern Railroad. The county is also served by a network of major highways including US Highways 301, 264, 64; Interstate 95 and state highways 97, 48, 58, and 44. There are also numerous motor freight carrier terminals in the Rocky Mount area.
Regional air service as well as shuttle service to Raleigh-Durham International Airport is provided by the Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport which opened in 1970. Located on NC Highway 97, RWI is just a short drive of 6.5 miles from Rocky Mount and only minutes from industrial traffic routes.
Carolina Trailways, a regional bus company that has been operating in North Carolina since the 1920s, now owned by Greyhound, provides scheduled intercity bus service to the Rocky Mount Terminal.
North Carolina's state-supported Carolinian and Piedmont trains and Amtrak's north-south Silver Meteor, Silver Palm and Silver Star trains have scheduled daily service to the Rocky Mount train station.
Nash-Edgecombe Transportation Service (NETS) provides subscription and dial-a-ride transportation for rural residents of Nash County. Dial-A-Ride transportation services (DARTS), operates dial-a-ride paratransit service for certain authorized residents of the City of Rocky Mount who begin and end their trips within 3/4 mile of Rocky Mount Transit's fixed routes.
Rocky Mount Transit operates fixed-route buses for the city of Rocky Mount.
EDUCATION
Rocky Mount is the home of North Carolina Wesleyan College. This four-year co-educational liberal arts college began operations in 1960 on a 200-acre campus. Shaw University of Raleigh has a center in Rocky Mount and offers a component of liberal arts instruction. The Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools serve 17,480 students from 28 campuses including three consolidated high schools and one alternative high school.
Private and parochial schools are also available in the area. Our Lady of Perpetual Help enrolls approximately 250 students in the P-7 program. Falls Road Baptist School, Grace Christian School, NEW Christian Academy, The Enfield Academy and the Rocky Mount Academy are K-12 programs enrolling approximately 1,100 students.
Nash County's continuing educational needs are being met by Nash Community College, offering a full curriculum in vocational college transfer courses as well as providing free literacy and basic skills education to adults. Their program includes courses in trades and industry, business administration, information technology, nursing and secretarial science.
North Carolina State University and East Carolina University are an easy one-hour drive from Nash County.
CULTURAL
The Rocky Mount Arts and Crafts Center offers unique opportunities in the visual and performing arts for the Nash County area. The Center contains an art gallery, theater, classrooms and an art studio. Regular art exhibits, courses in interior design, painting, sculpture, ceramics, crewel, theater-related courses and other arts and crafts activities are offered to all ages.
The area's cultural activities are also enhanced by the Community Concert Series of Symphony Orchestras, the North Carolina Wesleyan Concert Series and professional plays at North Carolina Wesleyan College.
Braswell Library houses houses Adult Collections and Resources with over 23,000 fiction, 33,000 nonfiction, and 2,500 reference titles, 370 periodical holdings, 2400 audio and 700 videos. The Children's and Youth Collections and Resources holds over 19,000 fiction, 11,000 nonfiction, and 560 reference titles and over 1000 videos and 1,000 cassette titles plus 30 magazines. A Spanish language collection of books, audio and videos has over 400 titles. The Nash County Bookmobile maintains an on-board collection that numbers between 2,500 and 3,000 titles, and the shelves back at their library office hold another 6,500 or so. The Bookmobile borrows from Braswell's circulating collection when necessary.
The Spring Hope Historical museum is sponsored and maintained by the Spring Hope Historical Association and is dedicated to the premise that a preservation of the past is a true legacy for the generations to come. Located on Main St., Spring Hope, NC.
RECREATIONAL
Nash County and Rocky Mount also have abundant recreational opportunities. The Tar River Reservoir provides an excellent place for all water-related sports. Fine hunting and fishing are found within the community and throughout eastern North Carolina.
The city of Rocky Mount and Nashville boast facilities for recreational programs in tennis, softball and picnicking. Rocky Mount's Sunset Park has many parks and playgrounds, a miniature train, carousel and city zoo. There are many activities at this park including a miniature train, historic carousel, picnic shelters, lighted tennis courts, a softball field, and lighted basketball courts. Recent additions include Spray Park - a one-of-a-kind attraction featuring 10 computer controlled water spray fountains within a traditional playground structure, and Skate Park for skate boarding enthusiasts. Other local municipalities provide various recreational programs for their residents as well.
Since 1954, the City of Rocky Mount Children's Museum has provided an educational program for young people by interpreting and exhibiting significant objects and enriching their lives through the development of proper attitudes through creative outlets. An emphasis is placed on providing children with "hands on" experiences of the latest technological advances possible as well as giving them an understanding of the history that led us to these advances. The museum has been the subject of many state and regional publications, including "Southern Living" magazine. Ongoing programs at the museum include: classes, animal and science talks, birthday parties, outreach presentations to schools and curator opportunities. Each month, members of the Tar River Astronomy Club gather at the Museum for programs and special viewing.
Excellent golfing facilities are available at courses in the Rocky Mount, Nashville and Spring Hope areas.
AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRY
In the second quarter of 2001, Nash County had a labor force of 41,765. Of this total work force, 4.1% were engaged in agricultural employment and 23.2% were engaged in manufacturing jobs. Growing workforce industry groups are the retail trade (19.8%) and service (20.1%).
Agricultural products from Nash County include tobacco, poultry, swine, corn, forestry, soybeans, sweet potatoes, cotton, peanuts, cucumbers, small grain, beef cattle, dairy cattle and products, nursery and horticultural plants.
Nash County enjoys a rare blend of rural lifestyle coupled with the economic advantages of a diversified agricultural, industrial and service-based economy. Nash County is also positioned as a major gateway between the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions of North Carolina.
