North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Last updated

North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
North Wilkesboro, North Carolina 05.jpg
Downtown North Wilkesboro with Town Hall on the Left
North Wilkesboro, NC Town Seal (new version).png
Motto: 
"Key to the Blue Ridge"
NCMap-doton-NorthWilkesboro.PNG
Location of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Coordinates: 36°10′22″N81°08′20″W / 36.17278°N 81.13889°W / 36.17278; -81.13889
Country United States
State North Carolina
County Wilkes
Named for John Wilkes
Government
  MayorMark Hauser
Area
[1]
  Total6.63 sq mi (17.17 km2)
  Land6.63 sq mi (17.17 km2)
  Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
[2]
1,155 ft (352 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total4,382
  Density661.03/sq mi (255.24/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
  Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EST)
ZIP codes
28656, 28659, 28674
Area code 336/743
FIPS code 37-47880 [3]
GNIS feature ID2407009 [2]
Website www.north-wilkesboro.com

North Wilkesboro is a town in Wilkes County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 4,131 at the 2020 US Census. [4] North Wilkesboro is the birthplace and original home of Lowe's Home Improvement, which continues to have a major presence in the community. The town is also known as one of the birthplaces of the sport of stock-car racing, and the North Wilkesboro Speedway was the first NASCAR-sanctioned track. Due to the town's proximity to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and its numerous tourist venues, North Wilkesboro has been nicknamed the "Key to the Blue Ridge".

Contents

History

North Wilkesboro was founded in 1891 when the Norfolk and Southern Railroad built a railroad line into Wilkes County. The line ended on the northern bank of the Yadkin River opposite Wilkesboro, the county seat. The town of North Wilkesboro quickly developed around the railroad tracks. North Wilkesboro was home of the Carolina Mirror Company, which for many years was the largest mirror factory in the United States. [5] Lowe's Foods, one of the Southeast's largest supermarket chains, was started in North Wilkesboro in 1954. [6] Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, the nation's second-largest chain of home-improvement stores, was started in North Wilkesboro in 1946. [7] Like many small towns and cities in rural North Carolina, North Wilkesboro has suffered since 2000 from the closing of nearly all of its textile and furniture factories, which have moved to low-wage locations in Latin America and Asia. The factories were a major part of the town's economic base.

The North Wilkesboro Speedway, located just outside the city limits, predates the founding of NASCAR; the speedway held its first race on May 18, 1947 [8] and from there it grew in popularity. On October 16, 1949, the Speedway held the 8th and final race of the 1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock Division; when the race was over Robert "Red" Byron had become the first NASCAR-sanctioned champion. [9] The North Wilkesboro Speedway held NASCAR races for 50 years; on September 29, 1996 Jeff Gordon would win the final race to be held at the speedway. In 1995, following the death of the long-time owner and track founder Enoch Staley, the speedway was purchased by two new owners, Bob Bahre and Bruton Smith. Soon after their purchase, both men announced that they were closing the speedway and moving its two NASCAR race dates to their new tracks in Texas and New Hampshire. The decision met with strong criticism from race fans. From the track's closure in 1996 through 2021 numerous national and regional news media stories discussed the physical decay of the track and grandstands, the rich history of the track, and efforts to renovate and reopen the speedway. [10] In November 2021, the North Carolina state legislature and NC Governor Roy Cooper gave $18 million to the speedway for extensive repairs and renovations in a major effort to reopen the track for racing. [11] Following the renovations, in August 2022 the speedway held its first races in a decade, drawing a sellout crowd to the CARS Tours Window's World 125. [12] In September 2022 it was announced that the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race would be held in May 2023 at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, marking the first NASCAR race to be held at the track since its closure in 1996. [13]

The Downtown Main Street Historic District, Thomas B. Finley House, Southern Railway Depot, and Wilkes Hosiery Mills are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. [14]

Healthcare

Wilkes Medical Center WRMC.JPG
Wilkes Medical Center

Wilkes Medical Center, founded in 1951 as Wilkes General Hospital, is located in North Wilkesboro. It is the largest hospital in northwestern North Carolina and is currently the town's largest employer. West Park, formerly a large shopping center built in the 1970s, has recently been transformed into a large medical park with numerous offices for physicians, medical specialists, pharmacies, physical therapists, and other medical and health-related fields.

In 2017, the hospital joined the Wake Forest Baptist Health system. In 2020, Wake Forest Baptist Health was acquired by the Charlotte-based Atrium Health network to form Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

Local events

Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro Banner NorthWilkesboroBanner.jpg
Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro Banner

The downtown business district of North Wilkesboro became a recognized Main Street Town in 2000. The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership, a non-profit group that has worked to revitalize the downtown business district, led the effort to have the town recognized as a Main Street Town; the group also sponsors other events to attract people to the downtown area.

The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership is also the founder of the annual 'Shine to Wine Festival. Over the past 20 years, numerous local farmers have moved into the winemaking industry and the wine festival gives local wineries and vineyards a chance to display and publicize their wines. The festival also traces the historical development of Wilkes County liquor from moonshine to wine. The 'Shine to Wine festival is held on the first Saturday in May. Other downtown North Wilkesboro festivals include the Downtown Concert Series and Light Up Downtown.

North Wilkesboro is the home of the annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, which is held to celebrate the apple harvest from the nearby Brushy Mountains. Crowds of over 160,000 people usually attend the festival, and it is one of the largest single-day arts and crafts fairs in the Southern United States. The festival features music, dancing, artwork, crafts, and food traditional to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The streets of downtown North Wilkesboro, NC are filled with over 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions, and 4 different music stages consisting of Blue Grass, Country, Folk, Gospel, and Appalachian Heritage. Cloggers, folk dancers, rope skippers, and square dancers provide additional entertainment venues for festival goers. Appalachian Heritage crafts such as woodcarving, chair making, soap making, pottery throwing, and quilting are highlighted. Local apple growers set up throughout the festival selling their apples, apple cider, and dried apples.

Light Up Downtown is an annual downtown event focused on the beginning of the Christmas season and the inaugural first day of decorative lights in downtown North Wilkesboro. Santa always makes an appearance to listen to all the children's Christmas wishes. Free pictures are always available to take with Santa. Hayrides are also available to ride around the downtown and enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations. In addition, many food, craft, and merchandise vendors are lined down Main Street. Downtown Retailers are always open late to kick off the Christmas shopping.

Attractions

Wilkes Art Gallery Wilkes Art Gallery Front.JPG
Wilkes Art Gallery

The Wilkes Playmakers, an active local theater group, are based in North Wilkesboro; Each year they do 4-5 shows, most shows attracting people from county wide to come see their plays. They also do events year wide.

Wilkes Art Gallery Mural Project Wilkes Art Gallery.jpg
Wilkes Art Gallery Mural Project

The Wilkes Art Gallery was founded in 1962 in the parlor of art patron Annie Winkler's home and in 2004 moved into the renovated North Wilkesboro Post Office building located in the heart of downtown North Wilkesboro. The Gallery's 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) facility includes over 3,500 square feet (330 m2) of exhibition space, an education center with a ceramics studio, painting and drawing studios, two multi-purpose classrooms, and a gift shop. [ citation needed ]

Yadkin River Greenway YRGreenway.jpg
Yadkin River Greenway

North Wilkesboro recently welcomed the Yadkin River Greenway which was created through the cooperative efforts of citizen volunteers, landowners, and the governments of Wilkes County, North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro, and the State of North Carolina. The effort began in 1994, and the first phase of the greenway was opened on May 18, 2002. The Yadkin River Greenway Council, a non-profit community organization, provided coordination and leadership. The Greenway is a natural area between urban communities where wildlife, vegetation, and streams are preserved and enjoyed. The Greenway contains biking, jogging, and walking trails which follow the Yadkin River and Reddies River for several miles between the towns of North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro. The Yadkin River Greenway offers over 1.7 miles (2.7 km) of paved trails to form over 5.1 miles (8.2 km) of current trails with more extensions to come in the near future. [15]

Education

North Wilkesboro Schools

North Wilkesboro is served by the Wilkes County Schools system. The elementary schools which serve the town are Mulberry Elementary, North Wilkesboro Elementary, and CC Wright Elementary. Middle school students in North Wilkesboro attend Central Wilkes Middle School in the community of Moravian Falls, located south of the town. The town's high school students attend Wilkes Central High School, based in Moravian Falls, West Wilkes High School, based in Millers Creek, or Wilkes Early College High School, located on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Several private schools also serve the town, most are associated with the larger Protestant churches in the area. Wilkes Community College, located in the neighboring town of Wilkesboro, offers college classes to North Wilkesboro's residents.

Geography

North Wilkesboro is located along the Yadkin River at the mouth of the Reddies River. North Wilkesboro has long been known as the "Key to the Blue Ridge" and is adjacent to the Brushy Mountains, Stone Mountain State Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located a few miles away, the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir offers its visitors a pristine wilderness to go mountain biking, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, hunting, and fishing around its 55-mile (89 km) shoreline. The Town of North Wilkesboro is located in the heart of Wilkes County, North Carolina in the northwestern corner of the state. Wilkes County is bordered by eight (8) counties. These include the counties of Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Caldwell, Iredell, Surry, Watauga, and Yadkin; thus making the town conveniently juxtaposed to eight county seats and economic hubs; all within a 45-minute drive from town. The town corporate limits cover approximately 7.5 square miles (~ 4,800 acres) of contiguous property with approximately 300 acres in satellite territories. [16] The Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) encompasses roughly 16 square miles (41 km2) or 10,240 acres. The town is bordered to the south by the Yadkin River and the Town of Wilkesboro. Running through the eastern portion of the town is the Reddies River which flows from North to South and unites with the Yadkin. Hoopers Branch, a tributary to the Reddies River, rises on the north side of North Wilkesboro.

Transportation

US 421.svg US-421 NC 268.svg NC-268 NC 115.svg NC-115 NC 18.svg NC-18

The town serves as the junction point for NC State Highways 18 and 268 and is within one mile (1.6 km) to the north of US Highway 421. [16] US 421 Business, however, passes through the town and allows transportation to the nearby cities of Winston-Salem and Boone, home of Appalachian State University. The town also serves as the northern end of NC Highway 115, which runs south to Charlotte.

Surrounding transportation

I-77.svg I-77 NC 16.svg NC-16

North Wilkesboro is approximately 20 minutes west of Interstate 77. Interstate 77 runs North to South, allowing shipping and transportation to travel up and down the east coast. I-77 serves as the nearest major interstate to the county in addition to the town itself. North Wilkesboro is also in close proximity to NC Highway 16 which runs through Wilkesboro.

Public transportation

North Wilkesboro and Wilkes County are served by the Wilkes Transportation Authority, known commonly as the WTA. The WTA provides Wilkes with its only scheduled public transportation service as well providing rural communities within the county with transportation by booking in advance.

Climate

North Wilkesboro rests in the foothills to the east of the Blue Ridge escarpment; which encompasses the western edge of Wilkes County. The town's position in relation to the abutting mountain system accounts for the mild, yet wet winters and summers. The average annual maximum temperature is 68.7 degrees Fahrenheit with a corresponding minimum annual temperature average of 45.7 degrees. [16] Average annual rainfall (49.6 inches) for the town falls just short of the typical average of the Southern Appalachian region (60.0+ inches). As winter clouds approach from the west and migrate across the Blue Ridge, an orographic effect ensues which releases an amount of snow in the Western high country, leaving little for central and eastern Wilkes County as the systems pass over. The result is more of a wintry mix of sleet and frozen rain, hence the 5.9 inches of average total snowfall, but the lack of any snow depth. North Wilkesboro has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and the hardiness zone is 7B.

Climate data for North Wilkesboro, North Carolina (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1955–present)
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °F (°C)79
(26)
83
(28)
88
(31)
94
(34)
96
(36)
102
(39)
101
(38)
102
(39)
96
(36)
94
(34)
85
(29)
81
(27)
102
(39)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)47.9
(8.8)
51.8
(11.0)
60.0
(15.6)
69.4
(20.8)
77.0
(25.0)
84.5
(29.2)
87.3
(30.7)
85.9
(29.9)
79.6
(26.4)
70.3
(21.3)
60.8
(16.0)
50.3
(10.2)
68.7
(20.4)
Daily mean °F (°C)37.4
(3.0)
40.2
(4.6)
47.4
(8.6)
56.9
(13.8)
65.2
(18.4)
72.9
(22.7)
75.7
(24.3)
74.8
(23.8)
69.1
(20.6)
58.6
(14.8)
48.0
(8.9)
40.7
(4.8)
57.2
(14.0)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)26.8
(−2.9)
29.2
(−1.6)
35.7
(2.1)
43.5
(6.4)
52.7
(11.5)
62.1
(16.7)
65.7
(18.7)
64.9
(18.3)
57.3
(14.1)
45.4
(7.4)
36.5
(2.5)
28.9
(−1.7)
45.8
(7.7)
Record low °F (°C)−9
(−23)
−6
(−21)
2
(−17)
18
(−8)
28
(−2)
37
(3)
44
(7)
42
(6)
30
(−1)
16
(−9)
7
(−14)
−3
(−19)
−9
(−23)
Average precipitation inches (cm)4
(10)
3.7
(9.4)
4.6
(12)
4.1
(10)
4.3
(11)
4.4
(11)
4.6
(12)
4.9
(12)
4.1
(10)
3.5
(8.9)
3.5
(8.9)
3.9
(9.9)
49.6
(126)
Average snowfall inches (cm)2.2
(5.6)
2
(5.1)
0.8
(2.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.9
(2.3)
5.9
(15)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)10.39.711.511.212.312.813.712.811.18.89.110.8134.1
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)1.00.70.20.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.32.2
Source: NOAA [17] [18]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1900 918
1910 1,902107.2%
1920 2,36324.2%
1930 3,66855.2%
1940 4,47822.1%
1950 4,379−2.2%
1960 4,197−4.2%
1970 3,357−20.0%
1980 3,275−2.4%
1990 3,3843.3%
2000 4,11621.6%
2010 4,2453.1%
2020 4,131−2.7%
2022 (est.)4,280 [19] 3.6%
U.S. Decennial Census [20]

-

2020 census

North Wilkesboro racial composition [21]
RacePercentage
White (non-Hispanic)63.9%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)14.1%
Native American 0.07%
Asian 0.4%
Other/Mixed 2.7%
Hispanic or Latino 20.8%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,131 people, 1,862 households, and 962 families residing in the town. The population density was 622.08 inhabitants per square mile (240.19/km2). The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.93.

The average median household income for the town was $30,114. About 29.3% of residents were at or below the poverty line.

2000 census

As of the census [3] of 2000, there were 4,116 people, 1,639 households, and 942 families residing in the town. The population density was 803.9 inhabitants per square mile (310.4/km2). There were 1,837 housing units at an average density of 358.8 per square mile (138.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 74.47% White, 17.90% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.73% Asian, 0.49% Pacific Islander, 4.25% from other races, and 1.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 11.27% of the population.

There were 1,639 households, out of which 45.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.1% were married couples living together, 15.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.5% were non-families. 39.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.0 males.

The per capita income for the town was $14,594. About 21.8% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.2% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yadkin County, North Carolina</span> County in North Carolina, United States

Yadkin County is located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 37,214. Its county seat is Yadkinville. Yadkin County is included in the Winston-Salem, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Greensboro–Winston-Salem–High Point, NC Combined Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilkes County, North Carolina</span> County in North Carolina, United States

Wilkes County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is a part of the state's western mountain region. As of the 2020 census the population was 65,969. Its county seat is Wilkesboro, and its largest community is North Wilkesboro. Wilkes County comprises the North Wilkesboro, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Watauga County, North Carolina</span> County in North Carolina, United States

Watauga County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 54,086. Its county seat and largest community is Boone. The county is in an exceptionally mountainous region, known as the High Country. It is the home of Appalachian State University, which has approximately 20,023 students as of August 2020. Watauga County comprises the Boone, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surry County, North Carolina</span> County in North Carolina, United States

Surry County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 71,359. Its county seat is Dobson, and its largest community is Mount Airy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stokes County, North Carolina</span> County in North Carolina, United States

Stokes County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 44,520. Its county seat is Danbury.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forsyth County, North Carolina</span> County in North Carolina, United States

Forsyth County is located in the northwest Piedmont of the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 382,590, making it the fourth-most populous county in North Carolina. Its county seat is Winston-Salem. Forsyth County is part of the Winston-Salem, NC, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Greensboro–Winston-Salem–High Point, NC, Combined Statistical Area. Portions of Forsyth County are in the Yadkin Valley wine region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caldwell County, North Carolina</span> County in North Carolina, United States

Caldwell County is a county in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As of the 2020 census, the population was 80,652. Its county seat is Lenoir. Caldwell County is part of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Mountain, North Carolina</span> Town in North Carolina

Black Mountain is a town in Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 8,426 at the 2020 United States census. It is part of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is named for the old train stop at the Black Mountain Depot and is located at the southern end of the Black Mountain range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Southern Appalachians.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clemmons, North Carolina</span> Village in North Carolina

Clemmons is a village in Forsyth County, North Carolina, United States and a suburb of Winston-Salem. The population was 21,177 at the 2020 census, with an estimated population of 21,517 in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mooresville, North Carolina</span> Town in North Carolina, United States

Mooresville is a town located in the southwestern section of Iredell County, North Carolina, United States, and is a part of the fast-growing Charlotte metropolitan area. The population was 50,193 at the 2020 census, making it the most populous municipality in Iredell County. It is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of Charlotte.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ronda, North Carolina</span> Town in North Carolina, United States

Ronda is a town in Wilkes County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 417 at the 2010 census, and 413 at the 2020 census. Ronda was named after a nearby estate called "Roundabout", which was the residence of Benjamin Cleveland, a locally prominent planter and a colonel in the North Carolina militia during the Revolutionary War. The town is home to East Wilkes High School, one of Wilkes County's five public high schools.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilkesboro, North Carolina</span> Town in North Carolina, Wilkes

Wilkesboro is a town in and the county seat of Wilkes County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 3,687 at the 2020 census. The town is located along the south bank of the Yadkin River, directly opposite the town of North Wilkesboro. Wilkesboro is a Small Town Main Street community and has recently revitalized its historic downtown to include the Carolina West Wireless Community Commons, Wilkes Communications Pavilion, Heritage Square and Splash Pad. Cub Creek Park is adjacent to the downtown and contains many amenities, which include baseball, walking trails, mountain biking trails, trout fishing, dog park, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, picnic shelters, etc. Wilkesboro is also the home of the annual MerleFest, Carolina in the Fall, and Brushy Mountain Peach & Heritage festivals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonesville, North Carolina</span> Town in North Carolina, United States

Jonesville, originally called Allen's Settlement, is the oldest town in Yadkin County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,285 at the 2010 census. The town grew by nearly 800 residents in 2001 when it merged with neighboring Arlington. Recognized as the Heart of the Yadkin Valley, Jonesville is a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Yadkin Valley Heritage/Cultural Corridor and to local wineries in the Swan Creek AVA and the larger Yadkin Valley AVA, as well as offering access to the Yadkin river.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elkin, North Carolina</span> Town in North Carolina, United States

Elkin is a town in Surry and Wilkes counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina, along the Yadkin River. Elkin shares its name with the surrounding township of Elkin Township. The population was 4,122 at the time of the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yadkin River</span> River in North Carolina, United States

The Yadkin River is one of the longest rivers in the US state of North Carolina, flowing 215 miles (346 km). It rises in the northwestern portion of the state near the Blue Ridge Parkway's Thunder Hill Overlook. Several parts of the river are impounded by dams for water, power, and flood control. The river becomes the Pee Dee River at the confluence of the Uwharrie River south of the community of Badin and east of the town of Albemarle. The river then flows into South Carolina near Cheraw, which is at the Fall Line. The entirety of the Yadkin River and the Great Pee Dee River is part of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brushy Mountains (North Carolina)</span>

The Brushy Mountains are a mountain range located in northwestern North Carolina. They are an isolated "spur" of the much larger Blue Ridge Mountains, separated from them by the Yadkin River valley. A deeply eroded range, they move from the southwest to the northeast, and cross five counties in North Carolina: Caldwell, Alexander, Wilkes, Iredell, and Yadkin.

The Reddies River is a tributary of the Yadkin River in northwestern North Carolina in the United States. Via the Yadkin it is part of the watershed of the Pee Dee River, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean. According to the Geographic Names Information System, it has also been known historically as "Reddis River."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western North Carolina</span> Geographic region of the U.S. state of North Carolina

Western North Carolina is the region of North Carolina which includes the Appalachian Mountains; it is often known geographically as the state's Mountain Region. It contains the highest mountains in the Eastern United States, with 125 peaks rising to over 5,000 feet in elevation. Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet, is the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains and mainland eastern North America. The population of the 23 most commonly associated counties for the region, as measured by the 2020 U.S. Census, is 1,149,405. The region accounts for approximately 11% of North Carolina's total population.

Wilkes Central High School is a public high school located in Moravian Falls, North Carolina. It is a part of the Wilkes County Schools system. The school's enrollment is typically around 1,000 students. The school's district includes the towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro as well as the southern regions of Wilkes County. The current principal of the school is Dr. Heather Freeman. Wilkes Central has the largest enrollment of Wilkes County's four public high schools.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina Highway 268</span> State highway in North Carolina, US

North Carolina Highway 268 (NC 268) is a primary state highway in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It connects many communities as it traverses through the northwestern North Carolina mountains and foothills.

References

  1. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  2. 1 2 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
  3. 1 2 "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. "2020 Census, North Carolina - Total Population by Municipality" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on November 16, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  5. "Carolina Mirror Corp. - North Carolina Periodicals Index".
  6. "Company History".
  7. "Lowe's Companies, Inc | NCpedia".
  8. First Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway Archived May 13, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  9. October 16, 1949 - Wilkes 200 Archived September 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  10. "Ghosts of North Wilkesboro". Archived from the original on May 24, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  11. "North Wilkesboro Speedway receives $18 million for revival". November 25, 2021.
  12. Lee, Hank; Wallace, Reuben (August 12, 2022). "'There's a reverence': Racing makes triumphant return to North Wilkesboro". WCNC-TV.
  13. Hembree, Mike (September 8, 2022). "North Wilkesboro to host 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race". NBC Sports.
  14. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  15. Hubbard, Jule (January 8, 2016). "Greenway keeps growing". Wilkes Journal-Patriot. USA. Archived from the original on January 8, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  16. 1 2 3 "Town of North Wilkesboro: 25-Year Comprehensive Plan" (PDF). North Wilkesboro Town Board. Town of North Wilkesboro. December 5, 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  17. "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  18. "Station: N Wilkesboro, NC". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  19. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in North Carolina: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". Census.gov. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  20. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  21. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  22. "Dean Combs". Racing-Reference.info. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  23. "Deneen Zezell Graham-Kerns". Wilkes County Hall of Fame. Retrieved October 5, 2020.