Weldon, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Weldon, North Carolina
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Southbound on Washington Avenue between Second and Third Streets.
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Location of Weldon, North Carolina
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Halifax |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.92 sq mi (7.55 km2) |
| • Land | 2.92 sq mi (7.55 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 98 ft (30 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,444 |
| • Density | 495.20/sq mi (191.20/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
27890
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| Area code(s) | 252 |
| FIPS code | 37-71780 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2406855 |
Weldon is a small town located in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States. In 2020, about 1,444 people lived there. It is part of the Roanoke Rapids area, which is a group of towns connected by their economy.
Contents
Discovering Weldon's Past
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How Weldon Began
The story of Weldon started in 1752. A man named Daniel Weldon bought a large piece of land, over 1,200 acres, right by the Roanoke River. This land became known as Weldon's Landing. It was a very important spot because it was the furthest point boats could travel up the Roanoke River.
The Roanoke Canal and Trade
To help boats travel even further, the Roanoke Canal was built in 1823. This canal allowed ships to get around the fast-moving parts of the river. It opened up new ways for trade to happen, especially with Virginia. This brought a lot of business and growth to the Weldon area. Today, the canal is no longer used for boats. Instead, it's a dry path that people can hike on and explore.
Weldon's Railroad Boom
Weldon became a very important place for railroads in the southern United States. It was the first major railroad hub in the South. Several big railroads ended in Weldon.
- In 1841, the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad was finished. At that time, it was the longest railroad in the entire world!
- Other railroads, like the Petersburg and Roanoke Railroad and the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad, also extended to Weldon.
Because of all this railroad activity, the town of Weldon was officially created in 1843.
Weldon During the Civil War
During the Civil War, the railroad bridges over the Roanoke River were destroyed. This caused problems for travel and trade. After the war, only one of the railroad companies rebuilt its bridge.
Historic Places to See
Weldon has some important historic buildings. Two of them are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are special places that are protected for their history.
- Grace Episcopal Church
- The Weldon Historic District
Exploring Weldon's Location
Where is Weldon?
Weldon is located in the northern part of Halifax County, North Carolina. It shares a border with Roanoke Rapids, which is the biggest town in the county. To the north, across the Roanoke River, is Northampton County.
Major Roads and Travel
Several main roads pass through Weldon, making it easy to get around.
- U.S. Route 301 goes through the town. You can take it south to Rocky Mount or north to Emporia, Virginia.
- U.S. Route 158 runs east and west. It connects downtown Weldon to Interstate 95. I-95 is a major highway that also goes north to Emporia and south to Rocky Mount.
The "Rockfish Capital of the World"
Weldon is proud to call itself the "Rockfish Capital of the World." This is because of the amazing fishing for striped bass in the Roanoke River. Every May, during the spawning season, many fish come to the river, making it a great spot for fishing.
How Big is Weldon?
The town of Weldon covers an area of about 7.4 square kilometers (or 2.9 square miles). All of this area is land.
Weldon's Population Over Time
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 208 | — | |
| 1880 | 932 | 348.1% | |
| 1890 | 1,286 | 38.0% | |
| 1900 | 1,433 | 11.4% | |
| 1910 | 1,999 | 39.5% | |
| 1920 | 1,872 | −6.4% | |
| 1930 | 2,323 | 24.1% | |
| 1940 | 2,341 | 0.8% | |
| 1950 | 2,295 | −2.0% | |
| 1960 | 2,165 | −5.7% | |
| 1970 | 2,304 | 6.4% | |
| 1980 | 1,844 | −20.0% | |
| 1990 | 1,392 | −24.5% | |
| 2000 | 1,374 | −1.3% | |
| 2010 | 1,655 | 20.5% | |
| 2020 | 1,444 | −12.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Who Lives in Weldon?
The 2020 United States census counted 1,444 people living in Weldon. These people lived in 656 households, with 472 of them being families.
| Race | Number | Percentage |
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| White (non-Hispanic) | 307 | 21.26% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 1,053 | 72.92% |
| Native American | 11 | 0.76% |
| Asian | 2 | 0.14% |
| Pacific Islander | 2 | 0.14% |
| Other/Mixed | 42 | 2.91% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 27 | 1.87% |
Famous People from Weldon
Many interesting people have come from Weldon, North Carolina. Here are a few:
- Colonel Samuel Weldon: A military leader during the Revolutionary War.
- Kentwan Balmer: A former professional football player in the NFL.
- King V. Cheek: A person who spent their life working in education.
- Cedric Jones: A former professional football player for the New England Patriots.
- Jackie Mason: A well-known comedian.
- Gentry O. Smith: An American foreign service officer who works with other countries.
- Jimmy Soul: A talented singer.
- Benjamin S. Turner: A businessman and politician.
- Garland H. White: A preacher and politician.
Learning in Weldon
Weldon has its own school system called Weldon City Schools. This system includes an elementary school, a middle school, and Weldon High School. The city is also home to Roanoke Valley Early College.
See also
In Spanish: Weldon (Carolina del Norte) para niños
