Rockingham County

Rockingham County is a rural heaven just next door to the bustling city of Greensboro. Of the nearly 92,000 people who live here, a majority still reside on farms. The two largest towns, Eden (population 15,350) and Reidsville (population 14,485), The County's other 4 municipalities each have populations under 3,000

Considering that tobacco farmers discovered lush land as early as 1775, it's not surprising that the town of Reidsville eventually became home to American Tobacco Company. Today, even following that company's sale, the county remains the state's 15 largest tobacco producer.

Rockingham has also attracted an enormous number of manufacturing companies that were drawn by the three rivers running through the county. The textile industry remains a major employer and more than 150 manufacturing firms operating across the county.

Today, the Smith, Mayo and Dan Rivers are magnets for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors come in droves to canoe, kayak and fish in these rivers, and the county has responded by continually providing additional river access sites. Visitors and residents alike enjoy fishing and boating on the area's 3 rivers as well.

Reidsville, nicknamed "The Lucky City" after the Lucky Strike cigarettes produced by American Tobacco Co., is looking to make its own luck these days in developing a more diverse economic base. The town's history is tied to textiles and agriculture, primarily tobacco. But, after American Tobacco Co. was sold in 1994, the Reidsville community focused on attracting new industries. The city is currently building a $9 million industrial park and is developing a new home community for moderate-income households.

As the housing options increase and new businesses are drawn to the city, Reidsville will become even more attractive thanks to its low taxes, low crime rate, and old-fashioned quality of life.

Over a century ago, while scouting the demarcation of the Virginia-North Carolina border, explorer William Byrd was so taken in by the area's natural beauty that he proclaimed he'd found the "Land of Eden." Today, you'll find the city of Eden on that site. The city has retained that beauty, deriving much of its charm from the Dan and Smith Rivers that snake through the town

Eden offers residents a variety of affordable housing options. Of particular note are the 200 mill houses originally built by Fieldcrest Cannon in the early 1900s for their employees. Many of the homes have been lovingly restored and they are popular among buyers and renters.

In addition to being a great place to live for those who work in Greensboro, Eden has a surprisingly large array of employment opportunities within its borders. For example, Miller Brewing Co. has operated here since 1976, and the Mohawk/Karastan Rugs sold around the globe are made in Eden.

Even with new residential and commercial development, the town is dedicated to retaining its rural feel. Eden has raised the funds for and is currently planning a 58-acre park for the city's center.

Rockingham County is served locally by two medical centers. The private Annie Penn Hospital was established in Reidsville in 1930. Annie Penn offers primary care, a birthing center, and a broad array of specialized care in its 110-bed acute care facility and 42-bed nursing care center. In Eden, the Morehead Memorial Hospital is a community medical center that also serves Virginia. In 1994, Morehead was included in the Top 25 rural hospitals under 250 beds by the consulting firms of HCIA and Mercer. Morehead has 108 beds for acute care and a 134-bed skilled nursing care facility, as well as a Cancer center.

Rockingham County Consolidated Schools system grew out of the merger of 4 existing schools systems in 1993. RCCS enrolls about 14,500 students in 16 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 high schools, and one alternative school. For the past two years, 90% of the RCCS schools have met or exceeded state ABCs expectations.

Rockingham County also operates Rockingham Community College. The fully accredited schools welcomes students who intend to transfer to a four year college or who would like to earn a technical degree. The Community & Workforce Education Division responds to community labor education needs.

If golf is your game, the beautiful Rockingham County Terrain provides the perfect setting for some of the loveliest and most challenging courses in the Piedmont. Located only a 13 minute drive from Greensboro, is Greensboro National Golf Club and Estates, a true slice of heaven. Inspired by the natural beauty of the area, this world class 18 hole course meanders through lakes and private residences.