Wilson

Wilson is a city and administrative seat in the eastern coastal plain of North Carolina, located about 33 meters above sea level. Streets form a grid of residential neighborhoods, business zones, and public buildings grouped around a central downtown core.

The city began in 1849 as a small settlement and grew quickly after the construction of railroad lines in the 1850s. Rail traffic attracted traders and farmers from the surrounding area who came here to ship goods and conduct business.

The name honors General Louis D. Wilson, a war veteran whose family lived in the area during the 19th century. Many street names in the center recall the railroad era, when warehouses and trading yards shaped daily life.

The downtown area is easy to explore on foot, as many public facilities and shops are located close together. Visitors planning to see several neighborhoods may prefer a car, because distances between different areas grow wider.

During the first half of the 20th century, the city was a center of tobacco cultivation and auction halls attracted dealers from several states. Today, some repurposed buildings recall that era when Wilson served as an important hub for agricultural products.

Location: Wilson County

Inception: January 29, 1849

Elevation above the sea: 33 m

Website: http://wilsonnc.org

GPS coordinates: 35.73106,-77.92831

Latest update: December 17, 2025 07:32