Winston-Salem.

Winston-Salem is a city located in Forsyth County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 185,776. It is the county seat of Forsyth County, North Carolina, and it is the fifth-largest city in the state.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 283.9 km² (109.6 mi²).

History

Salem

The origin of the town of Salem dates back to January 1753, when Bishop August Gottlieb Spangenberg, on behalf of the Moravian church, selected a settlement site which he called "Muddy Creek du Wachau" (Wachovia, named after the Austrian estate of Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf). The land, just short of 99,000 acres (400 km²), was subsequently purchased from John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville.

On November 17, 1753, the first settlers arrived at what would later become the town of Bethabara. This town, despite its rapid growth, was not designed to be the primary settlement on the tract. Instead, the guidance of the Lord was sought for selection of a new town by drawing lots among sites which were suitable. The town established on the chosen site was given the name of Salem (for "peace").

Winston

In 1849 the town of Winston was founded, named after a local hero of the Revolutionary War, Joseph Winston, who was well-known in the town of Salem. Shortly thereafter both Winston and Salem were incorporated into the newly formed Forsyth County, It thrived as an industrial town, producing tobacco products, furniture and textiles. In 1851 Winston was designated the county seat, and, with plans to connect the cities of Winston and Salem, the county courthouse square was placed just one mile north of Salem's square.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem

In 1889, the United States Postal Service combined the mail offices for the two towns, and the towns were officially joined as "Winston-Salem" in 1913. The Reynolds family played a large role in the history and public life of Winston-Salem.

Economy and Education on the next page.