Hampstead, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hampstead, North Carolina
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Country | United States |
State | North Carolina |
County | Pender |
Area | |
• Total | 20.38 sq mi (52.78 km2) |
• Land | 20.24 sq mi (52.42 km2) |
• Water | 0.14 sq mi (0.36 km2) |
Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
Population
(2020)
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• Total | 7,016 |
• Density | 346.66/sq mi (133.85/km2) |
• Summer (DST) | EDT |
ZIP Code |
28443
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Area code(s) | 910, 472 |
FIPS code | 37-29180 |
GNIS feature ID | 2628632 |
Hampstead is a community in Pender County, North Carolina, in the United States. It's located right between two bigger cities, Wilmington and Jacksonville, along U.S. Route 17. It's a pretty big area, covering over 20 square miles! Hampstead is also part of the larger Wilmington area, which is sometimes called the Cape Fear Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Contents
History of Hampstead
Hampstead, North Carolina, has a long and interesting history. It started as a farming area and has grown into a busy place with access to beaches and fun activities. The name "Hampstead" came from a plantation owned by John Mott in the 1740s, which was named after Hempstead, Long Island.
Early Days and Colonial Times
Long ago, Native American tribes like the Cape Fear Indians lived in the area that is now Hampstead. European settlers started arriving in the early 1700s. They liked the rich land for farming. The town of Hampstead was first set up in the 1730s and was known as Sloop Point.
During the time when America was still a group of colonies, the economy here was all about farming. Plantations grew crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo. The area was also important because it was located right on the coast.
American Revolution and Civil War
Hampstead played a part in both the American Revolution and the American Civil War. In 1776, a big battle happened nearby at Moores Creek Bridge. American Patriots won against British loyalists, which helped North Carolina join the fight for independence.
Even though no major battles happened right in Hampstead during the Civil War, the conflict still affected the people and the economy. Many people from Hampstead were involved in the war, and the town faced tough times during that period.
After the Civil War and the 1900s
After the Civil War, Hampstead, like many towns in the South, worked to rebuild. Farming remained very important, with cotton and tobacco being the main crops.
In the 1900s, Hampstead was still a small, quiet farming and fishing community. But as nearby Wilmington grew and new roads were built, Hampstead slowly started to develop and get bigger.
Recent Growth and Development
In recent years, Hampstead has grown a lot. This is because it's close to Wilmington and is a nice place to live. Many new neighborhoods, shopping centers, and other facilities have been built to support the increasing number of people moving here.
Today, Hampstead still has some of its quiet, rural charm. But it also offers modern conveniences and easy access to beautiful beaches and fun outdoor activities.
People of Hampstead
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,016 people living in Hampstead. Most people living here are White (about 85%). Other groups include Black or African American, Native American, Asian, and people of mixed races. About 6% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
Race | Number | Percentage |
---|---|---|
White (non-Hispanic) | 5,970 | 85.09% |
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 214 | 3.05% |
Native American | 27 | 0.38% |
Asian | 55 | 0.78% |
Pacific Islander | 4 | 0.06% |
Other/Mixed | 317 | 4.52% |
Hispanic or Latino | 429 | 6.11% |
Historical population | |||
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Census | Pop. | %± | |
2010 | 4,083 | — | |
2020 | 7,016 | 71.8% | |
U.S. Decennial Census |
Schools in Hampstead
Hampstead has several schools that serve the community:
- Elementary Schools: There are four elementary schools for younger students: North Topsail Elementary, South Topsail Elementary, Topsail Elementary, and Surf City Elementary.
- Middle Schools: For middle schoolers, there are two schools: Topsail Middle School and Surf City Middle School. These schools help prepare students for high school.
- High School: Topsail High School is the only high school in the area. It's located right next to Topsail Middle School and is within walking distance of the Hampstead Branch Library. Topsail High helps students get ready for college or their future careers.
Public Services
The Hampstead area has important public services to keep everyone safe and healthy:
- Emergency Services: Pender EMS & Fire provides emergency medical services and fire protection.
- Law Enforcement: The Pender County Sheriff’s Department helps keep the community safe.
- Civil Air Patrol: Hampstead is also home to the Topsail Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, which is a civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.
See also
In Spanish: Hampstead (Carolina del Norte) para niños