Hoke County, North Carolina

Hoke County, North Carolina
County	Hoke County
State	North Carolina
Founded	1911
Seat	Raeford
Largest city	Raeford
Area total sq mi	392
Area land sq mi	390
Area water sq mi	1.5
Population as of	2020
Population total	52,082
Population density sq mi	130
Time zone	Eastern
Named for	Robert F. Hoke
District	9th

Hoke County, North Carolina is a county located in the coastal plain region of the U.S. state of North Carolina. Established in 1911 from parts of Cumberland County and Robeson County, its county seat and largest community is Raeford. The county is part of the Fayetteville Metropolitan Statistical Area and is known for its proximity to Fort Liberty, a major United States Army installation.

History

The area was originally inhabited by Siouan-speaking peoples, including the Lumbee and Tuscarora. European settlement increased following the American Revolutionary War, with the region being part of the vast Cumberland County before its subdivision. The county was created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1911 and named for Confederate States Army General Robert F. Hoke, a native of Lincolnton who served with distinction at the Battle of Cold Harbor and the Battle of Bentonville. Early economy was dominated by naval stores production and longleaf pine timber harvesting, with Raeford developing as a center for the textile industry and later becoming known for its American Saddlebred horses and the annual Carolina Cup.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 392 square miles, of which 390 square miles is land and 1.5 square miles is water. It is situated in the Sandhills region of the state's coastal plain. Primary waterways include the Little River and Rockfish Creek. The county is bordered by Cumberland County to the east, Robeson County to the south, Scotland County to the southwest, and Moore County to the west. A significant portion of the county's western border is defined by the boundaries of Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 52,082 people residing in the county. The racial and ethnic composition was diverse, with significant populations identifying as African American, White, American Indian, and Hispanic or Latino. The population has grown substantially since the late 20th century, influenced by its connection to the military and Fayetteville metropolitan area. The U.S. Census Bureau designates much of the county as part of the Fayetteville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Government and infrastructure

Hoke County is governed by an elected five-member Board of Commissioners operating under the county manager system. It is part of the Superior Court District 16A and the District Court District 16A. The county is represented in the North Carolina General Assembly and falls within the 9th Congressional District. Critical infrastructure includes the Hoke County Courthouse in Raeford and extensive road networks like U.S. Route 401 and North Carolina Highway 211. The county's emergency services and law enforcement are provided by the Hoke County Sheriff's Office and local municipal departments.

Economy

The economy is heavily influenced by the presence of Fort Liberty, with many residents employed by the United States Department of Defense or in supporting service industries. Other significant sectors include manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare. Historically, the economy relied on agriculture, particularly tobacco, cotton, and poultry farming, and the textile mills of Raeford. The county is also home to the Carolina Premium Outlets shopping center, a major retail destination. Timber production remains an important land use.

Education

Public education is administered by Hoke County Schools, which operates multiple elementary, middle, and high schools, including Hoke County High School. The county is also served by SandHoke Early College High School, a partnership with Sandhills Community College. There are no four-year universities within the county; however, residents have access to institutions like Fayetteville State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Methodist University in adjacent counties. Early childhood education is provided through various Head Start programs.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the county include John H. McNeill, a Confederate States Army officer known for his ranger activities; Sonny Porter, a longtime American Saddlebred horse trainer and showman from Raeford; and Bishop L. N. Forbes, a prominent religious leader and educator. Several professional athletes, including National Football League players, have hailed from the area.

Category:Hoke County, North Carolina Category:North Carolina counties Category:1911 establishments in North Carolina Category:Fayetteville metropolitan area