Alamance County Overview
Alamance County is located in the central part of North Carolina, nestled between the Research Triangle to the east and the Piedmont Triad to the west. Established in 1849 from a portion of Orange County, it played a significant role during the American Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Alamance. The county is bordered by Guilford County to the west, Orange County to the east, Caswell County to the north, and Chatham County to the south. Its central location makes it a key player in the economic and cultural development of the Piedmont region.
The population of Alamance County is approximately 171,000 people, with the county seat in Graham. The county has a rich industrial history, particularly in textiles, though recent years have seen diversification into healthcare, education, and technology. Alamance County offers a mix of rural charm, suburban development, and urban amenities, with various attractions and recreational areas like Haw River and Cedarock Park.
- County Seat: Graham
- Number of Cities and Towns: 13
- Major School Districts: Alamance-Burlington School System
Burlington
Burlington Overview
Burlington is the largest city in Alamance County and is located in the heart of the county. Originally founded in 1857 as a railroad town called “Company Shops,” Burlington grew into a major center for the textile industry in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Burlington has transitioned into a diverse economy, with healthcare, education, and retail playing significant roles. The city is bordered by Elon to the north and Graham to the south. Its proximity to Interstate 85 and Interstate 40 makes it a hub for transportation in central North Carolina.
Burlington enjoys a temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city is home to major landmarks such as City Park, which hosts the historic Dentzel Carousel, and the Alamance Battleground, a significant Revolutionary War site located nearby.
- Population: 57,303
- Population Density: 1,833 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 27215, 27216, 27217
- Road Network: Interstate 85, Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 70, North Carolina Highway 62
- Nearest Airports: Piedmont Triad International Airport (25 miles)
- Libraries: May Memorial Library, North Park Library
- Hospitals: Alamance Regional Medical Center
Schools in Burlington
Burlington is part of the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS). Smith Elementary School (PreK-5) serves about 500 students, focusing on foundational learning in math and reading. Broadview Middle School (grades 6-8) enrolls around 700 students, providing a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM and arts education. Walter M. Williams High School (grades 9-12) has approximately 1,200 students and offers a variety of academic programs, including advanced placement courses, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, Elon University is located just a few miles away, contributing to the educational landscape of the area.
Graham
Graham Overview
Graham, the county seat of Alamance County, is located just south of Burlington and serves as the legal and administrative center for the region. Founded in 1851, Graham is named after William A. Graham, a former U.S. Senator and Governor of North Carolina. The town has a rich history tied to both the textile industry and agriculture. Its central location in the county allows it to function as a political and cultural hub, with historic sites such as the Alamance County Courthouse and the Children’s Museum of Alamance County.
Graham has a moderate climate with hot summers and mild winters. The town is known for its historic downtown district, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, including the Graham Cinema, a popular local attraction.
- Population: 16,919
- Population Density: 1,294 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 27253
- Road Network: Interstate 85, Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 70
- Nearest Airports: Piedmont Triad International Airport (35 miles)
- Libraries: Graham Public Library
- Hospitals: Alamance Regional Medical Center (nearby in Burlington)
Schools in Graham
Graham is served by the Alamance-Burlington School System. North Graham Elementary School (PreK-5) has about 400 students, emphasizing personalized instruction in core academic areas. Graham Middle School (grades 6-8) enrolls around 500 students, with a strong focus on STEM programs and arts education. Graham High School (grades 9-12) serves approximately 850 students and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities, including athletics, arts, and vocational training. The school district provides robust support services to ensure student success, with several programs designed to enhance academic performance and community involvement.
Elon
Elon Overview
Elon is a small town located just northwest of Burlington, best known for being home to Elon University, a prestigious liberal arts institution. The town was founded in the 1890s and was originally called “Mill Point” due to its location near a cotton mill. It was later renamed Elon, which means “oak” in Hebrew, in honor of the grove of oak trees surrounding the college campus. Over the years, Elon has developed a vibrant community that blends its academic environment with residential living.
Elon has a temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The town is known for its walkable downtown area, which features a variety of local shops, cafes, and parks, as well as its historic neighborhoods. Major landmarks include the Elon University campus, with its beautiful botanical garden and cultural centers.
- Population: 12,426
- Population Density: 1,447 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 27244
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 70, North Carolina Highway 87
- Nearest Airports: Piedmont Triad International Airport (30 miles)
- Libraries: Elon Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Burlington (Alamance Regional Medical Center)
Schools in Elon
Elon is part of the Alamance-Burlington School System. Elon Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls about 450 students and focuses on creating a strong academic foundation with a particular emphasis on literacy and STEM subjects. Middle and high school students typically attend Western Alamance Middle School (grades 6-8) and Western Alamance High School (grades 9-12), located just outside of town. The high school has around 1,200 students and offers a broad curriculum that includes advanced placement courses, athletics, and career-focused programs. Elon University adds a higher education component to the town, with nearly 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students, further enhancing the educational atmosphere.
Mebane
Mebane Overview
Mebane is a rapidly growing city located in the eastern part of Alamance County, straddling the border with Orange County. Founded in 1881, Mebane began as a small railroad town and has grown significantly in recent years due to its proximity to both the Research Triangle and the Piedmont Triad. Mebane is known for its charming downtown, which features a mix of historic buildings and modern shops, as well as its vibrant community life with numerous festivals and events held throughout the year.
Mebane enjoys a moderate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The city’s landmarks include Lake Michael Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking, as well as the historic Mebane Arts and Community Center.
- Population: 17,768
- Population Density: 1,300 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 27302
- Road Network: Interstate 85, Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 70, North Carolina Highway 119
- Nearest Airports: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (40 miles), Piedmont Triad International Airport (45 miles)
- Libraries: Mebane Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Burlington (Alamance Regional Medical Center)
Schools in Mebane
Mebane is served by the Alamance-Burlington School System. Garrett Elementary School (PreK-5) serves approximately 600 students, providing a strong emphasis on core academic subjects along with arts and physical education. Woodlawn Middle School (grades 6-8) has around 700 students and offers a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. Eastern Alamance High School (grades 9-12) serves approximately 1,200 students, offering a range of academic and technical programs, including honors and advanced placement courses, as well as a strong athletic program. Mebane’s schools are known for their community involvement and focus on preparing students for success in both college and careers.
Haw River
Haw River Overview
Haw River is a small town located just northeast of Graham, along the banks of the Haw River. Founded in the mid-19th century as a mill town, Haw River played a significant role in the textile industry of the region. Today, the town retains much of its historic charm, with preserved mill buildings and homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town is bordered by Graham to the southwest and Mebane to the east.
Haw River experiences a temperate climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Major landmarks include the historic Glencoe Mill Village and the Haw River Trail, which offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching.
- Population: 2,498
- Population Density: 750 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 27258
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 70, Interstate 40
- Nearest Airports: Piedmont Triad International Airport (35 miles)
- Libraries: Nearest library in Graham (Graham Public Library)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Burlington (Alamance Regional Medical Center)
Schools in Haw River
Haw River is part of the Alamance-Burlington School System. Students typically attend Haw River Elementary School (PreK-5), which enrolls about 300 students and focuses on foundational academic skills and community involvement. Middle and high school students attend schools in nearby Graham or Mebane, including Eastern Alamance High School, which offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. The school district is known for its commitment to student success, with numerous support services and enrichment opportunities available.