Rockingham County, North Carolina
Encyclopedia
Rockingham County is a county located in the U.S. state
of North Carolina
. As of 2010, the population was 93,643
. Its county seat
is Wentworth
.
. It was named for Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham
, British Prime Minister
from 1765 to 1766 and again in 1782.
The county served as the location for the Searcy & Moore gun factory, which was located at Hogans Creek, a small village located some 20 miles northwest of Greensboro
. The firm supplied weapons – dubbed "N.C. Rifles" – to the Confederate States of America
forces during the Civil War
. Owned by Alexander M. Searcy and Dr. J. S. Moore, the manufactory assembled some 100 rifles for the Rebel forces in 1862–1863.
.
In 2011, the new Rockingham County Justice Center was opened. The $47 million facility replaced a more than century old courthouse in Rockingham County and includes courthouse
, jail
, and sheriff's office. The new facility is the first judicial center in the state of North Carolina seeking certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Building Rating System and is estimated to save over $5 million over a 40 year period. The three-story building will be able to accommodate 359 employees and 300 inmates.
, the county has a total area of 572 square miles (1,481.5 km²), of which, 566 square miles (1,465.9 km²) of it is land and 6 square miles (15.5 km²) of it (1.03%) is water.
The Dan River
and Haw River
drain the county.
Rockingham County has a municipal airport eight miles (13 km) northwest of Reidsville called Shiloh Airport, which has a paved 5000 feet (1,524 m) runway, a fixed base operation, and hangar space.
of 2000, there were 91,928 people, 36,989 households, and 26,188 families residing in the county. The population density
was 162 people per square mile (63/km²). There were 40,208 housing units at an average density of 71 per square mile (27/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 77.33% White
, 19.57% Black
or African American
, 0.27% Native American
, 0.28% Asian
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
, 1.69% from other races
, and 0.83% from two or more races. 3.07% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 36,989 households out of which 30.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.60% were married couples
living together, 12.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.20% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 29.40% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $33,784, and the median income for a family was $40,821. Males had a median income of $30,479 versus $22,437 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $17,120. About 10.20% of families and 12.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.30% of those under age 18 and 15.50% of those age 65 or over.
is a public-use airport
owned by Rockingham County. It is located in the town of Stoneville
, eight nautical miles (15 km) northwest of the central business district
of the city of Reidsville
.
. The area includes government elementary, middle, and high schools including 25 different schools which include: The elementary are Bethany School, Moss Street, Central, Leaksville-Spray, Dillard, Monroeton School, Douglass, Draper, South End School, Lawsonville Avenue, Stoneville, Lincoln, Wentworth, Huntsville, Williamsburg, and a magnet school New Vision. The middle schools are Bethany Charter (Rockingham County's only charter school), Holmes, Rockingham County, Reidsville, and Western Rockingham. The high schools are Dalton L. McMichael High School
, John Motley Morehead High School
, Reidsville High School
, and Rockingham County High School
. There is also the S.C.O.R.E. Center. There are currently 10 School Board Members with one other board member seat being vacant currently.
Other schools are Rockingham County Early College (for high school students only), and Rockingham Community College, located in Wentworth.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
. As of 2010, the population was 93,643
. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Wentworth
Wentworth, North Carolina
Wentworth is a town in Rockingham County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,779 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Rockingham County.-Geography:Wentworth is located at ....
.
History
The county was formed in 1785 from Guilford CountyGuilford County, North Carolina
Guilford County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. In 2010, the Census Bureau estimated the county's population to be 491,230. Its seat is Greensboro. Since 1938, an additional county court has been located in High Point, North Carolina, making Guilford one of only a handful...
. It was named for Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham
Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham
Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, KG, PC , styled The Hon. Charles Watson-Wentworth before 1733, Viscount Higham between 1733 and 1746, Earl of Malton between 1746 and 1750 and The Earl Malton in 1750, was a British Whig statesman, most notable for his two terms as Prime...
, British Prime Minister
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the Head of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Sovereign, to Parliament, to their political party and...
from 1765 to 1766 and again in 1782.
The county served as the location for the Searcy & Moore gun factory, which was located at Hogans Creek, a small village located some 20 miles northwest of Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the third-largest city by population in North Carolina and the largest city in Guilford County and the surrounding Piedmont Triad metropolitan region. According to the 2010 U.S...
. The firm supplied weapons – dubbed "N.C. Rifles" – to the Confederate States of America
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...
forces during the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. Owned by Alexander M. Searcy and Dr. J. S. Moore, the manufactory assembled some 100 rifles for the Rebel forces in 1862–1863.
Law and government
Rockingham County is a member of the regional Piedmont Triad Council of GovernmentsPiedmont Triad Council of Governments
The Piedmont Triad Council of Governments is one of the 17 regional North Carolina Councils of Governments established by the North Carolina General Assembly for the purpose of regional planning and administration...
.
In 2011, the new Rockingham County Justice Center was opened. The $47 million facility replaced a more than century old courthouse in Rockingham County and includes courthouse
Courthouse
A courthouse is a building that is home to a local court of law and often the regional county government as well, although this is not the case in some larger cities. The term is common in North America. In most other English speaking countries, buildings which house courts of law are simply...
, jail
Jail
A jail is a short-term detention facility in the United States and Canada.Jail may also refer to:In entertainment:*Jail , a 1966 Malayalam movie*Jail , a 2009 Bollywood movie...
, and sheriff's office. The new facility is the first judicial center in the state of North Carolina seeking certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Building Rating System and is estimated to save over $5 million over a 40 year period. The three-story building will be able to accommodate 359 employees and 300 inmates.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 572 square miles (1,481.5 km²), of which, 566 square miles (1,465.9 km²) of it is land and 6 square miles (15.5 km²) of it (1.03%) is water.
The Dan River
Dan River
The Dan River flows in the U.S. states of North Carolina and Virginia. It originates in Patrick County, Virginia, and crosses the state border into Stokes County, North Carolina. It then flows into Rockingham County. From there it goes back into Virginia. It reenters North Carolina near the...
and Haw River
Haw River
The Haw River is a tributary of the Cape Fear River, approximately 110 mi long, that is entirely contained in north central North Carolina in the United States...
drain the county.
Rockingham County has a municipal airport eight miles (13 km) northwest of Reidsville called Shiloh Airport, which has a paved 5000 feet (1,524 m) runway, a fixed base operation, and hangar space.
Townships
The county is divided into several communities: Huntsville, Eden, Madison, Mayodan, Stoneville, Shiloh, Bethany, Reidsville, Ruffin, Monroeton, and Wentworth.Adjacent counties
- Pittsylvania County, VirginiaPittsylvania County, VirginiaAs of the census of 2000, there were 61,745 people, 24,684 households, and 18,216 families residing in the county. The population density was 64 people per square mile . There were 28,011 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile...
- northeast - Caswell County, North CarolinaCaswell County, North Carolina-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 23,501 people, 8,670 households, and 6,398 families residing in the county. The population density was 55 people per square mile . There were 9,601 housing units at an average density of 23 per square mile...
- east - Alamance County, North CarolinaAlamance County, North CarolinaAlamance County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It coincides with the Burlington, North Carolina, Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- southeast - Guilford County, North CarolinaGuilford County, North CarolinaGuilford County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. In 2010, the Census Bureau estimated the county's population to be 491,230. Its seat is Greensboro. Since 1938, an additional county court has been located in High Point, North Carolina, making Guilford one of only a handful...
- south - Forsyth County, North CarolinaForsyth County, North Carolina-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 306,067 people, 123,851 households, and 81,741 families residing in the county. The population density was 747 people per square mile . There were 133,093 housing units at an average density of 325 per square mile...
- southwest - Stokes County, North CarolinaStokes County, North Carolina-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 44,711 people, 17,579 households, and 13,043 families residing in the county. The population density was 99 people per square mile . There were 19,262 housing units at an average density of 43 per square mile...
- west - Henry County, VirginiaHenry County, VirginiaAs of the census of 2000, there were 57,930 people, 23,910 households, and 16,952 families residing in the county. The population density was 152 people per square mile . There were 25,921 housing units at an average density of 68 per square mile...
- northwest
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 91,928 people, 36,989 households, and 26,188 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 162 people per square mile (63/km²). There were 40,208 housing units at an average density of 71 per square mile (27/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 77.33% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 19.57% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.27% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.28% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.69% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.83% from two or more races. 3.07% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 36,989 households out of which 30.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.60% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 12.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.20% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 29.40% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $33,784, and the median income for a family was $40,821. Males had a median income of $30,479 versus $22,437 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $17,120. About 10.20% of families and 12.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.30% of those under age 18 and 15.50% of those age 65 or over.
Airports
Rockingham County NC Shiloh AirportRockingham County NC Shiloh Airport
Rockingham County NC Shiloh Airport is a county-owned, public-use airport in Rockingham County, North Carolina, United States. It is located in the town of Stoneville, eight nautical miles northwest of the central business district of the city of Reidsville It is also known as Rockingham...
is a public-use airport
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
owned by Rockingham County. It is located in the town of Stoneville
Stoneville, North Carolina
Stoneville is a town in Rockingham County, North Carolina, United States. Stoneville is well known for its many antique stores.-Geography:Stoneville is located at ....
, eight nautical miles (15 km) northwest of the central business district
Central business district
A central business district is the commercial and often geographic heart of a city. In North America this part of a city is commonly referred to as "downtown" or "city center"...
of the city of Reidsville
Reidsville, North Carolina
Reidsville is a city located in Rockingham County, North Carolina. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 14,485.Originally established in the early 19th century as an outpost and stop on the stage line that ran between Salisbury, NC and Danville, VA called Wrights Crossroads,...
.
Attractions
Attractions in Rockingham County include the state parks of the Dan and Mayo rivers, near Madison; the historic downtown areas of Leaksville, Draper and Spray in Eden; the Chinqua-Penn Plantation in Reidsville; and the historic Penn House, located in Reidsville. One of the most famous attractions of the Reidsville area is Lake Reidsville. Various historic shops are found in the county, as well.Education
All public schools in Rockingham County are a part of Rockingham County SchoolsRockingham County Schools
Rockingham County Schools is the public school district in Rockingham County in the U.S. state of North Carolina.-Administrative officers:* Dr. Rodney Shotwell, Superintendent* Mr. Bill Holcomb, Associate Superintendent, Administrative Services* Dr...
. The area includes government elementary, middle, and high schools including 25 different schools which include: The elementary are Bethany School, Moss Street, Central, Leaksville-Spray, Dillard, Monroeton School, Douglass, Draper, South End School, Lawsonville Avenue, Stoneville, Lincoln, Wentworth, Huntsville, Williamsburg, and a magnet school New Vision. The middle schools are Bethany Charter (Rockingham County's only charter school), Holmes, Rockingham County, Reidsville, and Western Rockingham. The high schools are Dalton L. McMichael High School
Dalton L. McMichael High School
Dalton L. McMichael High School is located in Mayodan, North Carolina, United States.-History:The school was established as a merger of Madison-Mayodan and Stoneville high schools...
, John Motley Morehead High School
John Motley Morehead High School
John Motley Morehead High School is located in Eden, North Carolina, United States.-History:The school opened in 1952 as Tri-City High School to serve the then-separate communities of Leaksville, Spray, and Draper. The school gained its current name in 1958 in honor of John Motley Morehead, the...
, Reidsville High School
Reidsville High School
Reidsville High School is located in Reidsville, North Carolina, United States.- History :The school opened in 1960 as Reidsville Senior High School. In 1993, it merged with the other schools in Rockingham County, North Carolina to form Rockingham County Schools...
, and Rockingham County High School
Rockingham County High School
Rockingham County High School is located in Reidsville , North Carolina. It is located near Rockingham County Middle School, which feeds in to the high school.-Distinctions:...
. There is also the S.C.O.R.E. Center. There are currently 10 School Board Members with one other board member seat being vacant currently.
Other schools are Rockingham County Early College (for high school students only), and Rockingham Community College, located in Wentworth.
Cities and towns
- EdenEden, North CarolinaEden is a city in Rockingham County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 15,908 at the 2000 census. The city was incorporated in 1967 through the consolidation of three separate towns: Leaksville, Spray, and Draper....
- MadisonMadison, North CarolinaMadison is a town located in Rockingham County, North Carolina. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 2,262. It is home to the corporate headquarters of Remington Arms.-Schools:...
- MayodanMayodan, North CarolinaMayodan is a town in Rockingham County, North Carolina, in the United States. It is a manufacturing site for Bridgestone Aircraft Tire and General Tobacco...
- ReidsvilleReidsville, North CarolinaReidsville is a city located in Rockingham County, North Carolina. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 14,485.Originally established in the early 19th century as an outpost and stop on the stage line that ran between Salisbury, NC and Danville, VA called Wrights Crossroads,...
- StonevilleStoneville, North CarolinaStoneville is a town in Rockingham County, North Carolina, United States. Stoneville is well known for its many antique stores.-Geography:Stoneville is located at ....
- WentworthWentworth, North CarolinaWentworth is a town in Rockingham County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,779 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Rockingham County.-Geography:Wentworth is located at ....
Unincorporated communities
- RuffinRuffin, North CarolinaRuffin is an unincorporated community located in Rockingham County, North Carolina. It is northeast of Reidsville, North Carolina and southwest of Danville, Virginia just off US 29 . It has a population of 2,116. Neighboring communities and municipalities include Reidsville, Eden, Pelham, Casville,...
- MonroetonMonroeton, North CarolinaMonroeton is an unincorporated community in Rockingham County, North Carolina, USA. It has a combination fire department staffed by 28 volunteers and five part-time staff and consisting of two engines, two tankers, a pumper/tanker and a rescue and brush unit. The department is certified as ISO...
- Bethany