About Zebulon, NC / The Town of Friendly People

History of  Zebulon

In 1906, Raleigh and Pamlico Sound Railroad Company brought the rail through a pine forest between the Whitley and Horton family farms. Realizing the economic potential of the rail, Edgar B. Barbee, Raleigh developer, and Falconer B. Arendell, Wakefield local, purchased 49 acres along the tracks for a cost of $1,470. The two businessmen began to develop this land into lots, blocks, streets, and avenues creating a town. 

On February 16, 1907, this developed area consisting of 297.5 acres, was officially recognized as Zebulon, North Carolina.  Zebulon takes its name from Zebulon Baird. Vance, an American Civil War hero and three-time Governor of North Carolina.  He is recognized as one of the most influential southern leaders of the Civil War and post-bellum periods.

In May of 1907, the first town election was held electing Thomas J. Horton as Mayor.  In addition, the first elected town commissioners were Thomas F. Powell and Joseph F. Fields.

By 1910,  Zebulon had 483 residents and the Little River Township was the most populous township outside of Raleigh.  During the 1920’s, the town had 1,000 residents and hosted five tobacco warehouses, three cotton buyers, one cotton knitting mill, two banks, fourteen stores, and many professional and social institutions.  Zebulon demonstrated early twentieth century economic prosperity with a significant trade center and a downtown business district.

Ninety years after its creation, Wakefield was annexed into the Town.  This annexation resulted in Zebulon’s total acreage of 2,115 and population of 3,908.  In the year 2002, the population grew to 4,232.  Zebulon continues to grow and prosper offering traditional small town quality of living to its residents.

Location

The Town of Zebulon offers a close knit community environment and is known as “The Town of Friendly People.”  This nickname holds true in the way new residents and businesses are welcomed.  Zebulon is situated on high ground between the Little River and the Moccasin Creek nestled next to a bustling metropolitan area.  Zebulon is located approximately 24 miles from North Carolina state’s booming capital of Raleigh via NC Hwy 64 to Interstate 440.  Reasonable priced real estate, active civic clubs, numerous recreation and leisure programs, and a minor league baseball team can be found within this charming community.  Residents appreciate the quick accessibility to jobs, shopping, and entertainment offered in Zebulon.  Because of the town’s prime location, additional cultural and recreational amenities of the region are minutes away.  Being situated close to Raleigh, Zebulon offers a vastly flourishing community for new residents and businesses alike.  Come take an advantage of “The Town of Friendly People” located in one of North Carolina’s fasting growing counties. 

Zebulon can be found in the eastern section of Wake County, which is centrally located between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the Atlantic coast to the east.  Wake County forms one point of the Research Triangle, an area anchored by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.  A dynamic climate for business, vibrant clusters of innovation, world-renowned research universities and a highly skilled workforce are a few of the many reasons businesses are attracted to this region. The diverse blend of cultural and recreational activities, temperate climate, assorted educational opportunities, numerous jobs, and competitive housing make this area one of the best places to live in the world.  It all leads to a quality of life second to none.  Being one of the most prosperous counties in North Carolina, Wake County is consistently ranked as one of the most attractive places in which to live, work and do business.