According to existingcountries, Atkinson, North Carolina is a small town located in Pender County. The town is situated along the banks of the Northeast Cape Fear River and is approximately thirty miles north of Wilmington. It has a population of just over 1,000 people and is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Atkinson covers an area of roughly seven square miles and has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot and humid summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit with average highs ranging from the mid-70s in summer to mid-50s in winter.
The town’s topography consists mostly of flat coastal plains with some areas containing rolling hills. The soil in the area is sandy loam which makes for great farming conditions and supports a variety of crops such as cotton, corn, soybeans, tomatoes, squash, pumpkins, melons, sweet potatoes and peanuts.
Atkinson also has an abundance of natural resources such as forests, wetlands and rivers which provide habitat for wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, beavers and bald eagles. Additionally, there are freshwater lakes that provide fishing opportunities for locals as well as camping spots for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.
Overall, Atkinson’s geography provides its residents with plenty to explore while also providing ample opportunity to enjoy all that nature has to offer. With its close proximity to Wilmington it makes for an ideal spot to escape from city life while still being close enough to enjoy all that a larger city has to offer.
History of Atkinson, North Carolina
Atkinson, North Carolina was first settled in the mid-1700s by English, Irish and Scottish immigrants. The town was named after Thomas Atkinson, a prominent local landowner who served in the American Revolutionary War. In 1790, Atkinson became a part of Pender County which was formed from New Hanover County.
The town’s early economy revolved around farming and timber production as well as fishing on the Northeast Cape Fear River. During the Civil War, Atkinson suffered significant damage as Confederate troops burned much of the town to prevent Union forces from using it as a base of operations.
Following the war, the economy shifted towards manufacturing with several cotton mills being constructed in the area. These mills provided employment opportunities for many people and brought an influx of immigrants from other parts of North Carolina as well as other states in the South.
In 1901, a fire destroyed much of downtown Atkinson causing significant damage to businesses and homes alike. The citizens worked together to rebuild their community and by 1910 most of it had been restored to its former glory. In 1925, a hurricane struck coastal North Carolina causing extensive damage along the coast including in Atkinson where flooding caused further destruction to buildings and infrastructure.
In recent years Atkinson has experienced a resurgence in population growth due largely to its close proximity to Wilmington which has become an attractive destination for people looking for work or recreational activities such as fishing or boating on nearby rivers and lakes. Today, Atkinson is home to around 1,000 residents who enjoy its small-town charm while still having access to all that Wilmington has to offer.
Economy of Atkinson, North Carolina
Atkinson, North Carolina has a diverse economy that is driven by both the town’s rural and urban sectors. The town’s rural sector is largely based around agricultural production with the main crops being corn, soybeans, cotton, peanuts and tobacco. Farming has been a major part of the local economy for many generations and continues to be an important source of income for many families in the area.
The town’s urban sector is largely based around manufacturing with several small-scale factories in the area producing furniture, textiles and other consumer goods. Additionally, there are several larger industries in the area such as a paper mill and a steel mill that employ hundreds of people from Atkinson and surrounding communities.
Tourism is also an important part of Atkinson’s economy as its close proximity to Wilmington makes it a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy all that coastal North Carolina has to offer. There are several attractions in Atkinson including historic sites such as the Atkinson Historic District which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. Additionally, there are several parks located nearby such as Cape Fear River Park which offers camping, fishing and other recreational activities.
Atkinson also serves as a service hub for residents and visitors alike with several restaurants, shops and other services located throughout town. There are also several banks and financial institutions located in town providing banking services to locals as well as tourists visiting from out of town.
Politics in Atkinson, North Carolina
Atkinson, North Carolina is a small town with a population of around 1,000 people that is located in Pender County. The town has a mayor-council form of government in which the mayor is the chief executive and the city council acts as the legislative body. The town council is made up of five members who are elected at-large for two-year terms.
The town council meets regularly to discuss and vote on local issues such as zoning, taxes, public safety and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, they appoint members to serve on various boards and commissions such as the Planning Board, Zoning Board and Historic Preservation Commission.
Atkinson residents also have representation at the county level with their representatives sitting on the Pender County Board of Commissioners. This board is responsible for setting county-wide policies and overseeing county services such as education, public works and law enforcement.
Atkinson residents are also represented at the state level by their representatives in North Carolina’s General Assembly which consists of both a House of Representatives and Senate. These representatives work together to set statewide policies that affect all citizens regardless of location or political affiliation.
Atkinson residents also have representation in Washington D.C., through their Congressman who sits on either the House of Representatives or Senate depending on their district’s boundaries. This representative works to ensure that Atkinson’s interests are heard in Congress by introducing legislation that affects local issues such as infrastructure funding or public safety initiatives.