Rocky Mount

Rocky Mount is a city spanning the border between Edgecombe County and Nash County in North Carolina. The municipal area stretches along the Tar River, which flows through the center and separates the two counties.

Official incorporation took place in 1816 when the settlement at the river crossing gained municipal status. Railroad lines reached the area in the mid‑19th century and transformed the place into a transport hub for the region.

The name refers to the rocky outcrops along the river that early settlers encountered when they arrived. Today the community connects both counties through shared schools, libraries and public facilities spread across the municipal area.

Visitors will find parking areas downtown and at different spots along the main roads on both sides of the river. Most public buildings and shops concentrate in the historic center, which is walkable.

The municipal boundary runs through the city center, so some buildings have their addresses in different counties depending on which side of the river they stand. This unusual arrangement means neighbors sometimes fall under separate jurisdictions.

Location: Edgecombe County

Location: Nash County

Inception: 1816

Elevation above the sea: 31 m

Website: http://rockymountnc.gov

GPS coordinates: 35.95411,-77.80557

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:38