Pender County, North Carolina

Pender County, North Carolina is a county located in the southeastern part of the state, bordered by New Hanover County, North Carolina to the south, Onslow County, North Carolina to the east, Duplin County, North Carolina to the west, and Sampson County, North Carolina to the northwest. The county seat is Burgaw, North Carolina, which is also home to the Pender County Courthouse, a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pender County is part of the Wilmington, North Carolina metropolitan area and is situated near the Cape Fear River. The county is also close to the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the Masonboro Island Reserve.

Geography

Pender County covers an area of approximately 933 square miles, with a mix of coastal plains, swamplands, and forests. The county is drained by several rivers, including the Cape Fear River, Northeast Cape Fear River, and Black River. The Holly Shelter Game Land and the Burgaw Swamp are two notable natural areas in the county, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and bald eagle. The county's geography is also influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Nearby cities include Wilmington, North Carolina, Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Goldsboro, North Carolina, which is home to the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

History

Pender County was formed in 1875 from parts of New Hanover County, North Carolina and Onslow County, North Carolina. The county was named after William Dorsey Pender, a Confederate States Army general who was born in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. During the American Civil War, the county was a key location for the Battle of Forks Road, which took place near Wilmington, North Carolina. The county is also home to the Bellamy Mansion Museum, a historic house museum that showcases the history of the Bellamy family and the Cape Fear region. Other notable historic sites in the county include the Pender County Courthouse, the Burgaw Historic District, and the Topsail Island.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Pender County was approximately 60,000 people, with a mix of European American, African American, and Native American residents. The county has a diverse economy, with major industries including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The county is also home to a number of festivals and events, including the Pender County Fair, the Burgaw Christmas Parade, and the Topsail Island Festival. Nearby institutions include the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College, and the New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Economy

The economy of Pender County is driven by a mix of industries, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The county is a major producer of tobacco, cotton, and soybeans, and is also home to a number of farms and ranches. The county's tourism industry is fueled by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, with popular attractions including the Topsail Island, the Figure Eight Island, and the Masonboro Island Reserve. The county is also home to a number of major employers, including the Pender County Schools, the Pender County Government, and the New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Other notable businesses in the county include the Corning Incorporated and the GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy.

Education

Pender County is served by the Pender County Schools system, which operates a number of public schools throughout the county. The county is also home to a number of private schools, including the Cape Fear Academy and the Topsail Christian Academy. Nearby institutions include the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College, and the Miller-Motte College. The county is also served by the Pender County Library, which has branches in Burgaw, North Carolina and Hampstead, North Carolina.

Government

Pender County is governed by a board of commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the county's government and budget. The county is also served by a number of other government agencies, including the Pender County Sheriff's Office, the Pender County Emergency Management, and the Pender County Planning Department. The county is part of the North Carolina's 7th congressional district and is represented in the North Carolina General Assembly by the North Carolina Senate and the North Carolina House of Representatives. Nearby government institutions include the New Hanover County Government and the Onslow County Government. The county is also home to the Pender County Courthouse, which is a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.