History

Johnston County was formed in 1746 from Craven County.  It is named for Gabriel Johnston, royal governor of North 

Carolina from 1734 to 1752. Johnston County offers great connections to history, entertainment, dining, lodging, and outlet shopping, along with a generous helping of true southern hospitality. Located midway between New York and Florida on I-95 and at the cross-roads of I-95 and I-40, Johnston County connects the nation's North and South with East and West. Its location places it only a two-hour drive from Atlantic Coast Beaches and a four-hour drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Johnston County is home to eleven towns, listed alphabetically: Archer Lodge, Benson, Clayton, Four Oaks, Kenly, Micro, Pine Level, Princeton, Selma, Smithfield (county seat ca. 1771), and Wilson's Mills.

Strategically Located

Johnston County sits just minutes from the technology hub of Raleigh, NC. Our location and pro-business climate positions us to be one of the most vibrant counties in one of the nation’s fastest growing regions. We’re halfway between New York and Florida, and just about 2 hours from the Atlantic Ocean. A four hour drive to the north puts you in Washington, D.C. and a three hour drive to the southwest puts you in the financial center of Charlotte, NC.

Attractions
The Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is the location of the last major battle of the Civil War and the largest military engagement ever fought on North Carolina soil. Atkinson's Mill is a working gristmill dating back 240 years. The Tobacco Farm Life Museum preserves an authentic slice of eastern North Carolina's rural heritage. The Ava Gardner Museum celebrates the career of the film legend who was born and raised near Smithfield. The Johnston County Heritage Center preserves the history and material culture of Johnston County with an exceptional collection of materials that includes 2,000 books, 800 reels of microfilm, 300 maps and atlases, 50,000 photographic images, 400 private collections of books and papers, and vertical files on genealogy, biography, and local history. Shoppers far and wide visit the 80 discount outlets and shops at Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield.

Lifestyle
The communities of Johnston County have many things in common--a relaxed atmosphere and friendly people. From community festivals to sporting events, Johnston County is a kaleidoscope of unique sights, sounds, ideas and experiences complemented by a colorful array of rural and small-town history and culture.

Note: This content has been adapted from information published by the Johnston County Visitors Bureau and Johnston County Economic Development.