Wilson is a classic example of the Old South. Many residents say that it still has a small town feeling even though it has grown to 50,000. The city was a large tobacco market for decades. It later became known as a large center for antique furniture. It was the birthplace of Branch Banking and Trust Corporation, now Truist Financial. The city hosts numerous small and medium manufacturing operations.

Wilson is the home of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. Over a period of many years, Simpson created numerous kinetic sculptures from salvaged metal. His work also has been exhibited in several major Folk Art Museums. Several of his creations have been restored and moved to the park.

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

The city has the only municipally-owned TV, digital phone, and internet service in the state. It provides gigabyte service via a fiber optic network known as Greenlight. The private cable companies got North Carolina to pass a law from that occurring in any other cities.

Wilson has two colleges. The private Barton College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, and the Wilson Community College is one of the 58 within the state.

It is served by the Wilson Industrial Airport and Rock Mount-Wilson Airport (RWI) and Amtrak. Highways include I-95, I-795, I-587, U.S. 301, 264 and 117. I-95 bypasses the city, but the other loops are closer, and 301 goes directly through the town. It was served by the now defunct Wilmington and Raleigh Railroad Co. that became the Atlantic Coast Railroad.

The Oliver Nestum Freeman Round House tells the stories of African Americans in Wilson. (The house is literally round). The Wilson Rose Gard has more than 1,200 rose plants consisting of 100 varieties. It is one of the All-American Rose Selection Garden that includes all 63 varieties. It includes several sports and recreational facilities including a private country club, eight public soccer fields, and a public lake.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.