Wilson County Water & Wastewater

The first inhabitants of present-day Wilson County were Native Americans of the Tuscarora tribe. By the early 18th century, most tribal members had migrated elsewhere. Following their departure, European settlers and African slaves moved into the region around 1740.

Many early settlers were affluent landowners who produced turpentine and pitch from the abundant pine forests. Others engaged in subsistence farming and hunting. While agriculture was important, it wasn't the primary catalyst for population growth - that distinction belongs to the railroad's arrival, which attracted numerous new residents.

As population increased, State Senator Wyatt Moye from Edgecombe County proposed legislation to incorporate a new town near Toisnot Depot and Hickory Grove. The town was named Wilson to honor Louis Dicken Wilson (1789-1847), a prominent presidential candidate and military officer who died during the Mexican War, regarded as "one of Edgecombe County's most distinguished citizens."

Wilson was officially incorporated on January 29, 1849. Joshua Barnes, one of the area's wealthiest and most influential citizens, strongly advocated for Wilson County's formation. His friendship with Louis Dicken Wilson influenced the naming of both town and county.

Wilson County's creation was largely practical. Residents previously faced lengthy travel to conduct business in surrounding county seats of Smithfield, Tarboro, Goldsboro, and Nashville. On February 14, 1855, Wilson County was established, with neighboring counties ceding portions of their territories while ensuring the new county remained smaller than its neighbors.

Located at the Piedmont-Coastal Plain boundary, Wilson County features rolling hills in its western section characteristic of the Piedmont, transitioning to the flat terrain of the Coastal Plain moving eastward.

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