Robeson County
Robeson County,
North Carolina, the largest county in the state, encompasses a region of
more than 950 square miles. Settled in the 1730’s by the
Irish and
Scottish Highlanders, Robeson County was once home to several Native
American Indian tribes. Currently, the
Lumbee and
Tuscarora tribes maintain a large presence in Robeson County, ranking it as
the nation’s ninth largest
Native American population.
Robeson County, whose population was 123,339 at the time of the
2000 Census, includes 38% of its citizens with Native American ancestry, 33%
Caucasian and 25% African American, while the remaining citizens are a mixture
of other races. This highly diverse population spreads throughout twenty-nine
townships and twenty-one cities and towns. The largest cities here include
Fairmont,
Lumberton,
Maxton,
Pembroke,
Red Springs and
St Pauls.
Originally founded at the Ashpole
Institute site,
Fairmont, population 2,604, serves as a major distribution town for the
nearby agricultural areas. Crops include corn, soybeans, tobacco and wheat.
The Robeson County seat,
Lumberton, also acts as a hub for culture and entertainment in the region.
Located along NC’s
Inner Banks region, Lumberton is home to nearly 21,000 people. Several golf
courses, scenic parks and numerous fine shopping areas spread throughout the
area. Lumberton is also home to
Robeson Community College, renowned as a leader in local job training
systems.
Maxton, population 2,551, is
Maxton, Scotland’s sister city. This lovely town celebrated its 100th
birthday in 1976.
Pembroke, population 2,399, is the tribal seat of the Lumbee Indian Tribe of
North Carolina. Nearly 90 percent of the population is Native American.
Pembroke is also the site of the local campus of the
University of North Carolina.
Red Springs, population 3,493, maintains its traditional roots via annual
Gather of the Clans celebrations, where celebrants enjoy the delightful sounds
of pipe music.
St Pauls, a small farming community, holds a population of 2,137citizens.
Robeson County residents have convenient
access to nearby airports, deep-water ports, an excellent railway system and
Interstates
74 and
95. Robeson County operates a thriving economy, with a strong manufacturing
sector whose products range from canned soup to tennis shoes. It ranks among
NC’s largest agricultural produces and serves as the third top tobacco-growing
region in the
United States.
Core Vantage Technologies is one of Robeson County’s major employers, while
sites such as the
Carolina Commerce and Technology Center afford operational headquarters to
major technology-focused businesses and training centers.
Robeson County affords residents an
unparalleled quality of life, with a low crime rate and a reasonable cost of
living. A moderate climate provides the ideal setting for blooming flowers in
springtime, fresh produce, and outdoor recreation throughout the year. Robeson
County is also in close proximity to some of the most popular tourist
destinations on the east coast. The highly acclaimed golf courses at
Pinehurst are an hour's drive away, while the stunning coastline of
Myrtle Beach lies just two hours away. In addition, the mountainous scenery
of the beloved
Blue Ridge Parkway is within a three-hour drive to the west.
Robeson County,
North Carolina maintains the ambiance of its small town communities, while
experiencing steady growth and development. Its diverse citizenry, which
includes several nationalities, captures the spirit of
America as a melting pot. |
