 Eden,
North Carolina - the best of small city living with larger city
amenities. From rich educational and career opportunities to
an outing on the serene Dan or Smith Rivers, Eden has something
to offer everyone. We have all the conveniences of a modern commercial,
industrial and agricultural center without the hustle and bustle
of big city life. If you are paying a visit to our community,
we wish you fond memories of your stay. If you are planning to
establish your home and career in Eden, welcome to a life of prosperity
and fulfillment.
Eden was so named by William Byrd in 1728 when he led a survey
party seeking to establish the boundary line between North Carolina
and Virginia. Byrd called the area "Land of Eden" because of
its beauty. He had his own strong-minded ideas for its use: tillage;
grazing; the growing of hemp, flax, cotton, grapes, peaches, apples
and rice; and the cultivation of raw silk through the production
of white mulberry trees for the feeding of silk worms.
 Eden,
originally three townships known as Leaksville, Spray and Draper,
was one of the first cities to be established in the Piedmont
area of North Carolina as an economic center. Here the Piedmont's
textile boom began with the establishment in 1837 of the Leaksville
Cotton Mill - Morehead's "Factory," it was called - by John Motley
Morehead who was to be a two-term governor of the state from 1841
to 1845. Beginning in 1896, new textile mills were being rapidly
built, almost keeping pace with a mill-a-year plan. By 1912,
a total of over 2,000 textile employees worked in the area.
Nestled between two major rivers, the Smith and the Dan, Eden's
economic progress has been linked to one of her major resources
and assets - water. As J. Turner Morehead noted in 1884, "The
township is remarkably well watered, by such streams as Smith
River and Dan River, Buffalo Creek, Matrimony Creek, Tackett's
Branch, Blue Creek, Cascade Creek , and various other small streams."
It is notable that in 1892 on the Smith River in the Spray area
a discovery of world-wide significance occurred: John Motley
Morehead, grandson of the governor, discovered calcium carbide
and from this discovery the giant Union Carbide Corporation eventually
evolved. Morehead later became the U.S. ambassador to Sweden
and from his philanthropies the city has benefited through gifts
to the hospital and high school.
We are truly the land of Eden, conveniently located equidistance
from the mountains and the sea. An ideal climate, progressive
government, quality schools, modern health care facilities and
low tax rates make Eden and Rockingham County a growing region
in Piedmont N.C.
We have a rich history and tradition of growth and success.
Stay with us and you'll see why we call Eden a great place
to grow!
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