Happy TravellerWelcome to Wilson, North Carolina, a vibrant city located approximately 40 miles east of Raleigh. With a population of over 49,000 people, Wilson is a diverse community that offers a rich history, a thriving economy, and plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy.
History:
Wilson’s history dates back to the early 1800s when a community formed around Toisnot Primitive Baptist Church. The town was originally called Toisnot, but it was renamed Wilson in 1849 in honor of state senator Colonel Louis D. Wilson. The town grew rapidly after the Wilmington and Raleigh Railroad Co. began building a Wilmington-to-Weldon line in 1836. Today, Wilson is a diverse city with a thriving economy based on agriculture, manufacturing, commercial, and service businesses.
Attractions:
One of the top attractions in Wilson is the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, an Outsider Art installation that features large kinetic sculptures called whirligigs. Simpson became nationally known after he was commissioned to create a whirligig for the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. The park opened in late 2017 and has quickly become a popular destination for visitors.
Another must-see attraction in Wilson is the Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate summer baseball league. The Tobs play at Fleming Stadium in Wilson and offer a fun and affordable way to enjoy America’s favorite pastime.
For those interested in history, Wilson has several historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Broad-Kenan Streets Historic District, the East Wilson Historic District, and the Old Wilson Historic District. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of these districts to learn more about Wilson’s rich history.
Economy:
Wilson is home to several large employers, including Branch Banking and Trust Corporation (now Truist Financial), Bridgestone Americas, Wilson County Schools, and Wilson Medical Center. The city’s economy is diverse and based on agriculture, manufacturing, commercial, and service businesses.
Demographics:
Wilson is a diverse community with a population that is approximately 48% African American, 43% White, and 9% Latino and Asian. The city has a median household income of $31,169, and the median age is 35 years.
Infrastructure:
Wilson is served by two airports, Wilson Industrial Airport and Rocky Mount-Wilson Airport (RWI), and by the Wilson Amtrak Station. The city is also home to Greenlight, a municipal cable TV provider that offers cable TV, digital phone, and internet to its residents. In addition, Wilson was the first city in North Carolina to offer gigabit internet connectivity service to its residents via a fiber optic network.
Whether you’re interested in history, sports, or outdoor recreation, Wilson, North Carolina has something for everyone. Come visit this vibrant city and discover why it’s one of North Carolina’s hidden gems.
