Wilson County, North Carolina

Wilson County Education, Geography, and History

Wilson County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 81,234. The county seat is Wilson.

Wilson County comprises the Wilson, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Rocky Mount-Wilson-Roanoke Rapids, NC Combined Statistical Area

Etymology - Origin of Wilson County Name

It was named in honor of Louis D. Wilson, many times a member of the Legislature from Edgecombe County, a soldier of the Mexican War who died near Vera Cruz of fever, and a benefactor of the poor of his native county.

Demographics:

County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts

Wilson County History

Wilson was formed in 1855 from Edgecombe, Nash, Johnston and Wayne. It was named in honor of Louis D. Wilson, many times a member of the Legislature from Edgecombe County, a soldier of the Mexican War who died near Vera Cruz of fever, and a benefactor of the poor of his native county. It is in the east central section of the State and is bounded by Pitt, Greene, Wayne, Johnston, Nash and Edgecombe counties. The present land area is 371.09 square miles and the 2000 population was 73,811. The court was ordered to be held at Benjamin Barden's store in Wilson, a village already established, until a courthouse could be built. Commissioners were to acquire a site within one-fourth of a mile of the town of Wilson and erect a courthouse.

Geography: Land and Water

As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 374 square miles (970 km²), of which 368 square miles (950 km²) is land and 5.6 square miles (15 km²) (1.5%) is water.

Neighboring Counties

Bordering counties are as follows:

• Nash County - north
• Edgecombe County - northeast
• Pitt County - east
• Greene County - southeast
• Wayne County - south
• Johnston County - southwest

Education

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