Johnston County

Johnston County was formed in 1746 from Craven County. It is named for Gabriel Johnston, royal governor of North Carolina from 1734 to 1752. Its location places it only a two-hour drive from Atlantic Coast beaches and a four-hour drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether your interests include history, nature activities, golfing, or outstanding outlet and antique shopping, you'll find our great travel connections along I-95 and I-40 make Johnston County an easy stopover or weekend excursion.

The varied attractions offer learning experiences for all ages. The Tobacco Farm Life Museum recreates a way of life that is fast being forgotten. The restored farmstead and 6,000 sq. ft. gallery depict the lifestyle of early 20th Century tobacco farm families. Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is the place of the last major battle of the Civil War and the only Confederate offensive against Sherman's Union army as he marched northward from Atlanta. The Johnston County Heritage Center has become known as one of the best-equipped facilities for the study of local history and genealogy. Clemmons Educational State Forest offers student groups outdoor classroom programs from March to November. The Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield houses an extensive collection of original scripts, photos, and costumes of a Hollywood Legend who was a native of Johnston County. Shop at over 95 retail outlets in the Smithfield-Selma area, including Carolina Premium Outlets and JR's.

After a day of exploring, shopping, or golfing at one of five public courses, an evening of music and comedy is just the ticket — at the American Music Jubilee in Selma.

Clayton

The Town of Clayton was built on the road that was cut by Governor Tyrnn's troops as they marched from New Bern to Hillsborough against the Regulators around 1770.

The community was first known as Stallings' Station, a depot for the North Carolina Railroad in the home of Mrs. Sarah Stallings. The first post office was located just southeast of the present site, under the name of Gulley's Store. On January 30, 1856, the name was officially changed to Clayton named for a senator from Delaware.

The Town of Clayton was incorporated in 1869. Today it is a thriving community and the second largest town in Johnston County. Because of the soil and climate conditions in Clayton, agriculture is a mainstay of the community. Several research farms and laboratories have been established in the area because of Clayton's proximity to North Carolina State University, the NC Department of Agriculture, and Research Triangle Park.

Selma

Selma was officially chartered as a town on February 11, 1873 but the town's true birth took place on May 1, 1867 when lots were sold around a newly established station on the North Carolina Railroad. The town's heritage as a transportation hub is celebrated the first weekend in October by a "Railroad Days" festival. Both railroads continue in operation by today's CSX and Norfolk Southern companies, and Selma Union Depot remains a stop for passenger trains operated by Amtrak and the State of North Carolina. BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW THIS...Selma is the birthplace of Vicks VapoRub! Uptown Selma's uniquely stocked with antique shops and malls, locally owned and operated specialty shops, even an old-fashioned drug store with soda fountain.

Smithfield

Ten months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Town of Smithfield officially was chartered. However, the origins of the community date back to 1759 when John Smith, one of the area's earliest settlers, petitioned to operate a ferry where the Neuse River cut through land he owned. The site became known as Smith's Ferry. A part of North Carolina's Triangle Region, the Smithfield-Selma area is only 22 miles from Raleigh and 29 miles from the Research Triangle Park.

Smithfield developed as a town after the Johnston County Courthouse was relocated there in 1771. The Smithfield Tobacco Market has operated for over 100 years and Johnston County as a whole continues to be a strong agricultural county in North Carolina. Picturesque Town Commons Park along the Neuse River is located on the western edge of Downtown Smithfield, where Smith's Ferry gave birth to the town in the late 1700s. The park features the recently paved Neuse Riverwalk. Movie-star Ava Gardner grew up near Smithfield, which honors her career with a Downtown museum. The transformation of the landscape alongside Interstate 95 just east of has been significant over the years. Today, more than a dozen motels with a total 1,150 rooms stand near I-95's Smithfield-Selma interchanges, and the ever-expanding Carolina Premium Outlets and neighboring retailers have become a shopping mecca for both Interstate travelers and residents from 50 miles around.