Rocky Mount, North Carolina began life as a post office built near the Tar River Falls in 1816. Named for the rock formation at the base of falls, Rocky Mount became the site of the first cotton mill in the state of North Carolina. The Wilmington-Weldon Railroad connected with the town in 1845 and Rocky Mount was well known as a major debarking point for travelers heading west.

Today, as the largest city in Nash County, Rocky Mount sits proudly on the crossroads of Interstate 95 and US 64, in the heart of the Eastern Seaboard. Located only fifty miles east Raleigh, the state capital of North Carolina, Rocky Mount also lies within close range of the high tech Research Triangle Park.

An ideal location for business, Rocky Mount offers rail transport through both CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railroad. The Rocky Mount-Wilson Airport services the area, as well as three airfreight companies and The Raleigh-Durham International Airport completes the connection with the rest of the world. In addition, three seaports at Wilmington, Norfolk VA and Morehead City are within close driving range via major four-lane highways.

The state's Carolina Gateway Partnership offers many incentives and tax breaks for new businesses and the area's low property taxes make this an ideal site for relocation. Rocky Mount's population of over 57,000 are known for their strong work ethics and excellent level of education, making them a prime labor force. Two county community colleges are found here, as well as North Carolina Wesleyan College.

Situated in the eastern Piedmont, or Coastal Plains region, the city enjoys mild winter temperatures, averaging 42 degrees. Summer temperatures average a comfortable 82 degrees. A mere two-hour drive brings residents to the Atlantic Ocean, while the stunning North Carolina mountain ranges stand five hours to the west. Rocky Mount provides some of the finest golf courses in the area, along with a wide variety of nature parks and sports parks. Residents and visitors alike enjoy canoeing and kayaking on the Tar River Paddle Trail.

Museums and historic districts are found throughout the Rocky Mount Metro Area, and shopping ranges from some of the largest malls in the East, to premier boutiques. The Tar River Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dunn Center for Performing Arts provide Rocky Mount residents with year-round entertainment.

From humble beginnings, Rocky Mount, NC looks to the new century with confidence and optimism.