Bladen County

Bladen County is an administrative division in southeastern North Carolina that covers a large rural area with the Cape Fear River running through it. The landscape is primarily agricultural, with Elizabethtown serving as its administrative center.

Established in 1734 during colonial times, the county was named after Martin Bladen, a British official involved in colonial administration. Over the following centuries, it served as the source from which many other counties were created.

The area reflects a rural farming heritage where agriculture shapes the landscape and local economy through crops and livestock operations. You can see this agricultural character woven throughout the communities and countryside.

The Bladen County Courthouse in Elizabethtown is the main hub for local government services and county information. This centrally located building serves as a good starting point for understanding the county's structure and operations.

The county is recognized as the source region for North Carolina's territorial expansion, with more than half of the state's current counties originating from its original boundaries. This role makes it a foundational piece of the state's growth and division.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 1734

Capital city: Elizabethtown

Shares border with: Cumberland County, Sampson County, Pender County, Columbus County, Robeson County

Website: http://bladeninfo.org

GPS coordinates: 34.62000,-78.56000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:40