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Winston-Salem is a city located in Forsyth County, North Carolina. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 185,776. It is the county seat of Forsyth County.
The Old Salem district and related Historic Bethabera site are the city's oldest historical attractions. Also of historical interest is Reynolda Village (which includes Reynolda Gardens and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art).
Winston-Salem is home to Wake Forest University, the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco corporation, and formerly the Wachovia Corporation. Krispy Kreme was founded in Winston-Salem. Also of interest is the SciWorks educational facility (formerly the Nature Science Center) and SECCA, the SouthEastern Center for Contemporary Art).
History
Salem
The origin of the town of Salem dates back to January 1753, when Bishop August Gottlieb Spangenberg, on behalf of the Moravian church, selected a settlement site which he called "Muddy Creek du Wachau" (Wachovia, named after the Austrian estate of Count Nicholas Lewis von Zinzendorf). The land (just short of 99,000 acres) was subsequently purchased from John Carteret, 1st Earl Granville.
On November 17, 1753, the first settlers arrived at what would later become the town of Bethabera. This town, despite its rapid growth, was not designed to be the primary settlement on the tract. Instead, the guidance of the Lord was sought for selection of a new town by drawing lots among sites which were suitable. The town established on the chosen site was given the name of Salem (for "peace").
Winston
In 1849 the town of Winston was founded, named after a local hero of the Revolutionary War, Joseph Winston, who was well-known in the town of Salem. Shortly thereafter both Winston and Salem were incorporated into the newly formed Forsyth County, It thrived as an industrial town, producing tobacco products, furniture and textiles. In 1851 Winston was designated the county seat, and, with plans to connect the cities of Winston and Salem, the county courthouse square was placed just one mile north of Salem's square.
Winston-Salem
In 1889, the United States Postal Service combined the mail offices for the two towns, and the towns were officially joined as "Winston-Salem" in 1913.
Geography
Winston-Salem is located at 36°6'10" North, 80°15'38" West (36.102764, -80.260491).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 283.9 km² (109.6 mi²). 281.9 km² (108.8 mi²) of it is land and 2.0 km² (0.8 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.71% water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 185,776 people, 76,247 households, and 46,205 families residing in the city. The population density is 659.0/km² (1,706.7/mi²). There are 82,593 housing units at an average density of 293.0/km² (758.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 55.57% White, 37.10% African American, 0.31% Native American, 1.13% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 4.29% from other races, and 1.56% from two or more races. 8.64% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 76,247 households out of which 28.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.2% are married couples living together, 16.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.4% are non-families. 33.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.32 and the average family size is 2.95.
In the city the population is spread out with 23.3% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 88.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 84.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $37,006, and the median income for a family is $46,595. Males have a median income of $32,398 versus $26,335 for females. The per capita income for the city is $22,468. 15.2% of the population and 11.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 22.0% are under the age of 18 and 11.1% are 65 or older.
Winston-Salem is served by Greensboro, North Carolina's Piedmont Triad International Airport. The airport also serves High Point, North Carolina.