Employment opportunities, great neighborhoods
and first-rate schools provide an excellent
and affordable quality of life in Kernersville.
KERNERSVILLE
Caleb Story of Ireland first laid claim to the land of Kernersville. It
became known as Dobson's Crossroads in the early 1770's when William Dobson
made an initial purchase of 400 acres and continued acquiring adjoining
properties until his tract contacined 1,133 acres. In 1754, Dobson built
and opened an inn and store on the corner of two frontier roads, now the
intersection of Main and Mountain streets, and catered to travelers including
General George Washington. The village grew around the inn.
As times changed, so did the industry in Kernersville. Many of the farmers, millwrights, tanners and coachmakers turned to the tobacco business that dominated in the 1880's. Because of competition, some businesses turned to operations such as knitting, furniture, millinery, dairy and livery. Doctors, lawyers and retail stores became established to aid the growing community.
Today, Kernersville supplies numerous business opportunities in the town itself and in surrounding communities. The present business environment is diverse and open to new ideas, while at the same time harvesting ideas from its past. What began as a crossroads has grown into a community that moves forward. The geographic center of the Piedmont Triad, Kernersville is known as the "Heart of the Triad" and is surrounded by other vibrant Triad communities that include Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem.
Old
Salem is one of the most authentic historic restorations in the United
States and receives more than 400,000 visitors annually.
WINSTON-SALEM
Salem was founded in 1766 by the Moravians who were members of the United
Brethern religious sect in Germany. They migrated first to Pennsylvania
and then expanded south down the Great Wagon Road in the mid-1770's. Salem
was one of the earliest planned communities in the colonies. Winston was
formed in 1849 by settlers of quaker, English and Scot-Irish decent, who
named it the county seat. In 1913, Winston and Salem merged to become
Winston-Salem.
Winston-Salem is the fourth largest city in North Carolina, known for its diversity of business and high-tech industries, fine universities, and medical facilities. In addition, Winston-Salem has long held the reputation as a "city of the arts," with per capital contributions to the arts historically ranking number one in the nation. The National Business Employment Weekly has ranked the Winston-Salem area fifth amongst the top ten big cities for starting a career. Winston-Salem's small town feel and metropolitan convenience have caused retirees to embrace it as well.
With low unemployment, a pleasant year-round climate, an excellent transportation infrastructure, and a strong commitment to the arts and culture, it is easy to see why Business Development Outlook magazine ranked Winston-Salem among the top 20 cities in the nation for high quality of life in 1999.
North
Carolina's Piedmont Triad region, including the
cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point,
consistently ranks among the top regions in the
nation for new and expanded business investment.
GREENSBORO
The first settlers in the Greensboro area were mostly Germans, Quakers
of Welsh and English descent, and Scotch-Irish who came to the Piedmont
from Northern colonies These pioneers worked the land and shaped the future
for generations to come. Named in 1808 for General Nathaniel Greene, who
defeated the British during the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in 1781.
Although its roots lie in the cotton fields, Greensboro has faced the future by attracting diverse industries in addition to its textile mills. Around 100 companies have either expanded or been established in Guilford County in the last four years.
Famous residents of Greensboro have included First Lady Dolley Madison, journalist Edward R. J. Murrow and short-story writer O.Henry (William Sydney Porter). A lunch counter sit-in staged by area college students in a downtown Woolworth's helped spark the Civil Rights Movement; the location is being renovated as a Civil Rights Musem.
HIGH
POINT
Once just a crossroads-the "highest point" on the North Carolina Railroad-High
Point is now the "Furniture Capital of the World." Since the late 1800's,
High Point has flourished as a furniture center due to its location along
the state's first east-west railroad, the availability of skilled labor
and its proximity to large Appalachian hardwood forests.
Without a doubt, the seminannual International Home Furnishings Market has a tremendous impact on the economy of High Point and the Piedmont Triad. The event is both the largest wholesale finished goods home furnishings market in the world and the largest international business even in the South.
Other interesting facts: Jazz legend John Coltrane grew up in High Point. 2000 will mark the 24th season of the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, founded in High Point and in repertory each September through October, with "A Christmas Carol" in December.
North Carolina's heritage has always been shaped by its abundant and bucolic natural resources. The mountains, beaches and rolling countryside of the heartland offer opportunities to relax and escape the harried pace of daily life. Or instead of soaking in it, perhaps you'd like to challenge it: rock climbing, hang gliding, running, diving, biking, skiing and more. Did we mention golf? Take your choice; it all awaits your next visit to the Tar Heel State! Whether you are a recently transferred executive, a young single professional, newly retired, starting a family or pursuing a graduate or professional education, you'll feel right at home in North Carolina. Come, accept our invitation. Come to North Carolina where you won't just see the sights; you'll become part of the community!
