Caswell County, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caswell County
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Old Caswell County Courthouse in Yanceyville
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| Motto(s):
"Preserving the Past – Embracing the Future"
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Location within the U.S. state of North Carolina
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 North Carolina's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  North Carolina |
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| Founded | June 1, 1777 | |
| Named for | Richard Caswell | |
| Seat | Yanceyville | |
| Largest community | Yanceyville | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 428.71 sq mi (1,110.4 km2) | |
| • Land | 425.37 sq mi (1,101.7 km2) | |
| • Water | 3.34 sq mi (8.7 km2) 0.78% | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 22,736 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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22,807 | |
| • Density | 53.45/sq mi (20.64/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | |
| Congressional districts | 4th, 6th | |
Caswell County is a county in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is located in the Piedmont Triad region of the state. At the 2020 census, the population was 22,736. Its county seat is Yanceyville.
Partially bordering the state of Virginia, the county was formed from Orange County in 1777 and named for Richard Caswell, the first governor of North Carolina. Other Caswell County communities include Blanch, Casville, Leasburg, Milton, Pelham, Prospect Hill, Providence, and Semora.
The Dan River flows through a portion of the county. Hyco Lake is a popular recreational area and key water source.
Contents
History
Caswell County was formed from a northern portion of Orange County, in 1777. The newly formed county was named for Richard Caswell, Governor of North Carolina from 1776 to 1780. Leasburg was the first county seat. In 1792, roughly the eastern half of Caswell County became Person County. After the division, the Caswell County center of government was moved to a more central location: the community of the new county seat first was called Caswell Court House. Later, the name was changed to Yanceyville.
Caswell County produced many political leaders, including Bartlett Yancey, Jr., Archibald Debow Murphey, Romulus Mitchell Saunders, Bedford Brown, Calvin Graves, John Kerr, Jacob Thompson, and others. At one time it was stated that all successful North Carolina legislation had to make its way through the Caswell County legislators. As an example, Bartlett Yancey, Jr., was Speaker of the North Carolina Senate 1817-1827, and during part of this time Romulus Mitchell Saunders was Speaker of the North Carolina House of Commons.
It was in Caswell County that the Slade family discovered the bright-leaf tobacco curing process that revolutionized the tobacco industry and brought great wealth to the region.
The local paper "The Caswell Messenger" is more than eighty-five years old and now has an on-line presence.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 428 square miles (1,110 km2), of which 425 square miles (1,100 km2) is land and 3.3 square miles (8.5 km2) (0.8%) is water.
Adjacent counties and independent cities
- Danville, Virginia - north
- Pittsylvania County, Virginia - north
- Halifax County, Virginia - northeast
- Person County - east
- Orange County - southeast
- Alamance County - southwest
- Rockingham County - west
Major highways
US 29
US 158
NC 49
NC 57
NC 62
NC 86
NC 87
NC 119
NC 150
NC 700
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1790 | 10,096 | — | |
| 1800 | 8,701 | −13.8% | |
| 1810 | 11,757 | 35.1% | |
| 1820 | 13,253 | 12.7% | |
| 1830 | 15,185 | 14.6% | |
| 1840 | 14,693 | −3.2% | |
| 1850 | 15,269 | 3.9% | |
| 1860 | 16,215 | 6.2% | |
| 1870 | 16,081 | −0.8% | |
| 1880 | 17,825 | 10.8% | |
| 1890 | 16,028 | −10.1% | |
| 1900 | 15,028 | −6.2% | |
| 1910 | 14,858 | −1.1% | |
| 1920 | 15,759 | 6.1% | |
| 1930 | 18,214 | 15.6% | |
| 1940 | 20,032 | 10.0% | |
| 1950 | 20,870 | 4.2% | |
| 1960 | 19,912 | −4.6% | |
| 1970 | 19,055 | −4.3% | |
| 1980 | 20,705 | 8.7% | |
| 1990 | 20,693 | −0.1% | |
| 2000 | 23,501 | 13.6% | |
| 2010 | 23,719 | 0.9% | |
| 2020 | 22,736 | −4.1% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 22,807 | −3.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1790–1960 1900–1990 1990–2000 2010 2020 |
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2020 census
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 14,036 | 61.73% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 6,804 | 29.93% |
| Native American | 65 | 0.29% |
| Asian | 61 | 0.27% |
| Pacific Islander | 13 | 0.06% |
| Other/Mixed | 755 | 3.32% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,002 | 4.41% |
As of the 2020 census, there were 22,736 people, 9,145 households, and 6,570 families residing in the county.
2010 census
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 14,513 | 61.19% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 7,991 | 33.69% |
| Native American | 70 | 0.30% |
| Asian | 60 | 0.25% |
| Pacific Islander | 4 | 0.02% |
| Other/Mixed | 337 | 1.42% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 744 | 3.14% |
At the 2010 census, there were 23,719 people and an estimated 8,788 households and 6,345 families residing in Caswell County. In 2010, the estimated median age was 42.8 years. For every 100 females, there were an estimated 103.7 males.
Economy
The economy of Caswell County is rooted in agriculture, which continues to develop and experience growth away from tobacco cultivation. The area's location, commercial properties, land primed for development, and relatively low property tax rate have contributed to an increase in business activity and entrepreneurship.
Caswell County's agricultural sector produces hemp, tobacco, soybeans, corn, wheat, oats, barley, hay, alfalfa, beef cattle, sheep, swine, and poultry. The county also produces minerals such as soapstone, graphite, mica, corundum, microcline, and beryl.
NC Cooperative Extension in Yanceyville connects local agribusinesses and farmers with crucial research-based information and technology. The Caswell County Local Foods Council manages the Caswell Farmers' Market in Yanceyville and initiates community-driven projects.
The county is home to two industrial parks: Pelham Industrial Park in Pelham and Caswell County Industrial Park in Yanceyville. CoSquare, a coworking space that offers several business possibilities for entrepreneurs, is located in Yanceyville's downtown historic district. The largest industries in Yanceyville are accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance, and manufacturing. Manufactured goods include textiles, clothing, and electronics.
Caswell County benefits from its proximity to the greater Piedmont Triad area, Danville, Virginia, and the Research Triangle. Residents have access to a host of goods, services, attractions, and employment in the region. The county receives economic activity in kind from these neighboring areas.
Infrastructure
Utilities
- Caswell County's electric system is maintained by Duke Energy and Piedmont Electric Cooperative.
- Telephone network: Brightspeed
- Wireless networks: AT&T Mobility, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon Wireless
- Broadband internet: Brightspeed and Comcast
- Cable television: Comcast
Transportation
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Major highways
Future I-785- US 29
US 29 Bus.
US 58- US 158
- NC 49
- NC 57
- NC 62
- NC 86
- NC 87
- NC 119
- NC 150
- NC 700
Interstate 40 and Interstate 85 are the closest interstate highways to the county, located 14 miles (23 km) south in Graham. When I-785 is completed, it will run through Caswell County near Pelham.
Airports
- Yanceyville Municipal Airport
- Danville Regional Airport, located 15.3 miles (25 km) north of Yanceyville
- Person County Airport, located 26.2 miles (42 km) southeast of Yanceyville
- Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport, located 29.4 miles (47 km) southwest of Yanceyville
- Piedmont Triad International Airport, located 46.5 miles (75 km) southwest of Yanceyville
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport, located 56 miles (90 km) southeast of Yanceyville
Railroad
Danville station, located 13.9 miles (22 km) north of Yanceyville
Public transit
- Caswell County Area Transportation System (CATS)
Other
- Caswell Correctional Center, a medium custody facility of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
- Dan River Prison Work Farm, a minimum custody facility of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety
Education
Higher education
- Piedmont Community College's satellite campus in Caswell County is located in Yanceyville.
Primary and secondary education
The Caswell County public school system has six schools ranging from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade. The school district operates one high school, one middle school, and four elementary schools:
- Bartlett Yancey High School
- N.L. Dillard Middle School
- North Elementary School
- Oakwood Elementary School
- South Elementary School
- Stoney Creek Elementary School
Healthcare
Health care providers in Caswell County include:
- Caswell Family Medical Center
- Sovah Family Medicine-Yanceyville
- Yanceyville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
- Caswell House
Parks and recreation
Caswell County's outdoor recreational areas include:
- Animal Park at the Conservators Center (in Anderson township)
- The Dan River (in Milton)
- Hyco Lake (near Semora)
- Person Caswell Recreation Park (near Semora)
- Maud F. Gatewood Municipal Park (in Yanceyville)
- S.R. Farmer Lake (in Yanceyville township)
- Cherokee Scout Reservation's Boy Scouts of America camp (near S.R. Farmer Lake)
- Yanceyville Park/Memorial Park (in Yanceyville)
- Caswell Community Arboretum (in Yanceyville)
- Caswell County Parks & Recreation Center (in Yanceyville)
- Caswell Pines Golf Club (in Yanceyville township)
- Caswell Game Land (near Yanceyville)
- Country Line Creek (in Caswell Game Land)
- Hyco Creek (in Caswell Game Land)
Indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, as well as sports programs and activities, are offered by the Caswell County Department of Parks & Recreation. The Caswell Senior Center, which is located in Yanceyville, has recreation & wellbeing fitness facilities that were built in 2009.
Arts and culture
Caswell County hosts two major festivals a year: the "Bright Leaf Hoedown" and the "Spring Fling." The Bright Leaf Hoedown is a one-day outdoor festival held in late September in downtown Yanceyville. It features local food vendors, live entertainment, crafts, and non-profit organizations, usually drawing more than 5,000 guests. The Spring Fling is a two-day event and is held on a weekend in late April or early May on the grounds of the Providence Volunteer Fire Department.
The Caswell County Historical Association hosts its annual Heritage Festival in Yanceyville every May. The festival celebrates county history through tours, living history reenactments, games, vendors, and live music.
Downtown Yanceyville's historic district features an antebellum courthouse designed by William Percival and several other examples of antebellum architecture. The Yanceyville Historic District, Bartlett Yancey House, John Johnston House, William Henry and Sarah Holderness House, Melrose/Williamson House, Graves House, and Poteat House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Warren House and Warren's Store in Prospect Hill and the Garland-Buford House and James Malone House near Leasburg are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in addition to Wildwood near Semora and Woodside near Milton.
Caswell County's cultural attractions also include:
- Caswell Council for the Arts (in Yanceyville)
- Caswell County Civic Center (in Yanceyville)
- Caswell County Veterans Memorial (in Yanceyville)
- Caswell Farmers' Market (in Yanceyville)
- Caswell Horticulture Club
- Gunn Memorial Public Library (in Yanceyville)
- Milton Historic District
- Milton Renaissance Foundation Museum & Visitors Center
- Milton Studio Art Gallery
- Piedmont Triad Visitor Center (in Pelham)
- Old Caswell County Jail (in Yanceyville)
- Old Poteat School/Poteat One-Room School (in Yanceyville)
- Red House Presbyterian Church (in Semora)
- Richmond-Miles History Museum (in Yanceyville)
- Shangri-La Miniature Stone Village (in Prospect Hill)
- Thomas Day House and Union Tavern (in Milton)
- Town of Yanceyville Public Safety Memorial
- Yanceyville Museum of Art
- Yanceyville Pavilion
- Yanceyville's municipal water tower
- Yoder's Country Market (in Yanceyville)
The Caswell County Civic Center in Yanceyville has a full-size professionally equipped stage, a 912-seat auditorium, and meeting and banquet facilities for up to 500. The Civic Center also has accessories for concerts, theatre, and social functions as well as a lobby art gallery.
Gunn Memorial Public Library in Yanceyville conducts summer reading programs for children of all ages.
Communities
Towns
Unincorporated communities
Townships
- Anderson
- Hightowers
- Leasburg
- Locust Hill
- Providence
- Milton
- Pelham
- Stoney Creek
- Yanceyville
Notable people
Academia
- A. Oveta Fuller (1955–2022), associate professor of microbiology at University of Michigan Medical School
- Henry Lee Graves (1813–1881), president of Baylor University
- William Louis Poteat (1856–1938), professor of biology and president of Wake Forest University, public intellectual, early advocate of Darwinian evolution
- Henry Roland Totten (1892–1974), botanist
Art, literature, and music
- The Badgett Sisters, folk and gospel group composed of sisters Celester, Connie, and Cleonia Badgett
- Max Drake (born 1952), musician
- Maud Gatewood (1934–2004), artist
- Mel Melton, musician
- Ida Isabella Poteat (1858–1940), artist and instructor
- Moses Roper (1815–1891), African American abolitionist, author, and orator
- Ray Scott (born 1969), country music artist
- Carolina Slim (1923–1953), Piedmont blues guitarist and singer
- Hazel Smith (1934–2018), country music journalist, publicist, singer-songwriter, television and radio show host, and cookbook author
Athletes
- Mic'hael Brooks (born 1991), former NFL player who attended high school in Yanceyville
- John Gunn (1939–2010), race car driver
- Lee Pulliam (born 1988), stock car racing driver and team owner
- Neal Watlington (1922–2019), MLB player for the Philadelphia Athletics
- Carl Willis (born 1960), former MLB player and current pitching coach for the Cleveland Guardians
Business
- Thomas Day (1801–1861), free Black furniture craftsman and cabinetmaker
- Edmund Richardson (1818–1886), entrepreneur who produced and marketed cotton
- Samuel Simeon Fels (1860–1950), businessman and philanthropist
Miscellaneous
- Oscar Penn Fitzgerald (1829–1911), Methodist clergyman, journalist, and educator
- Henrietta Phelps Jeffries (1857–1926), African American midwife and a founding member of Macedonia AME Church in Milton
- Peter U. Murphey (1810–1876), naval officer and captain of the CSS Selma during the Civil War
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Caswell para niños
