NC League of Municipalities

In 1893, New Bern drug store owner Caleb Bradham invented “Brad’s Drink,” a blend of carbonated water, sugar, pepsin, kola nut extract, vanilla and “rare oils.” On August 28, 1898, Caleb renamed his drink “Pepsi-Cola."

When federal agents dumped about 10,000 gallons of illegal whiskey on the ground following a raid in February 1959, they didn’t realize it would run into the town reservoir. The “white lightning in the water supply” brought much publicity to Franklinton.

The namesake for the city is the Lumber River, which several native tribes may have used for travel and sustenance as far back as 20,000 years ago. The descendants of those tribes took their name from river’s ancient name: Lumbee.

“Senator Sam” Ervin was a Morganton native who practiced law before serving as U.S. Senator from 1957-74. Ervin served as chairman of the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Campaign Practices – commonly referred to as the Watergate Committee.

Known as “The Heart of the Triangle.”

Birthplace of James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States.

River Bend encompasses three square miles of wooded area, bordered by the Trent River on the south and a navigable canal system on the east.

In 2009, Kinston was named an All-America City for the second time.

The Roanoke Canal Museum honors the heritage of the region's early canal system.

Concord’s motto, “High Performance Living,” is appropriate. It is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway.