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Reidsville,
North
Carolina rests near the heart of scenic Rockingham
County. With a population of 14,485 (Census
2000 Data), Reidsville is the largest city located within
Rockingham County. The incorporated city covers nearly 14
square miles.
Incorporated in 1873, Reidsville, NC began as a small
outpost and stop along the stage line that traveled between Salisbury , NC and Danville,
Virginia.
A solitary home and inn owned by the Reuben Reid family
transformed into a vibrant farming community. Early residents
entrusted cigarette manufacturing and tobacco production to
support the economy. Once incorporated, Reidsville became a
significant operation site for the American
Tobacco Company, which provided employment throughout
Rockingham County.
Reidsville, NC’s
thriving economy relied heavily on the American Tobacco
Company until its closure and sale in 1994. Many of the
textile mills from the early days in Reidsville, North
Carolina are also closed. Despite the financial setbacks,
Reidsville residents continue to thrive and find work in the Piedmont
Triad cities of Greensboro,
High
Point and Winston-Salem.
Incidentally, Reidsville acts as a bedroom community to the
Triad Cities. The leading industries located within Rockingham
County currently include construction and retail trade.
Reidsville, NC features a beautiful downtown area and
offers walking tours that highlight the area. Tours of the
Main Street & Maple Avenue areas accentuate the domestic
architecture and style of city planning common prior to the
Second World War era. Another site that tells the story of
early Reidsville is the Penn
House. Listed on the National
Register of Historic Places, the Penn House, originally
built by Charles and Stella Penn in 1908, includes 12,500
square feet that captures the charm of the South. Charles Penn
was the Vice President of American Tobacco. Now owned by the
City of Reidsville, North Carolina, the Penn House offers a
charming setting for local meetings and weddings.
Located in a lush, forested setting, Lake
Reidsville is a popular site for boating, camping and
picnicking. Anglers enjoy catching the big bass, bream and
crappie, as well as exciting fishing tournaments, such as BASS
Masters. Also available along this lovely 750-acre lake
are opportunities for basketball, bird watching, hiking,
softball, volleyball and water skiing. Scenic nature trails
afford birdwatchers and other nature lovers the perfect
setting in which to view local wildlife in their natural
habitat. Other portions of Reidsville offer its residents nine
parks, a charming farmer’s
market, one golfing green, a recreation center, a teen
center and one additional lake, Hunt Lake.
Reidsville, North
Carolina residents established a firm foundation that
helps the community live up to its motto of "Focused on a
better tomorrow”. Friendly neighbors, quality schools and a
scenic backdrop are just a few of the many reasons why nearly
15,000 individuals call Reidsville their home.
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