Anson County

Anson County is an administrative division in southern North Carolina covering about 1400 square kilometers. It contains seven municipalities, with Wadesboro functioning as the county seat and serving as the commercial and administrative center.

The county was established in 1750 from territory that belonged to nearby Bladen County and took its name from British Admiral George Anson, who held land in North Carolina. In its early years, the region extended much farther west toward the Mississippi River before later divisions reduced it to its present size.

The county grew from colonial settlement and immigration during the 1700s, with farming and small trades shaping early communities. Today, rural villages and farmland still reflect this heritage of agricultural life.

The county government operates from Wadesboro, where commissioners and staff handle day-to-day administration and public services. Online services for property taxes and permits make it convenient to handle administrative matters from either in town or from afar.

The original territory of this county was enormous, extending westward far beyond its present borders before being carved into smaller pieces. Four major counties that exist today—Rowan, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, and Union—all came from divisions of this original land.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 1750

Capital city: Wadesboro

Shares border with: Stanly County, Richmond County, Marlboro County, Chesterfield County, Union County, Montgomery County

Website: http://co.anson.nc.us

GPS coordinates: 34.97000,-80.10000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 16:09