Alamance

Alamance is a county located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. It was formed in 1849 from parts of Orange and Guilford Counties. The county seat is Graham. Alamance County is named after the Alamance Creek, a tributary of the Haw River, which flows through the county. The name "Alamance" is believed to be derived from an Algonquian word meaning "winding river" or "stony river."

The history of Alamance County is marked by its involvement in significant events. It was a focal point of the Regulator Movement in the late 1760s and early 1770s, a rebellion by colonists against corrupt colonial officials. The Battle of Alamance, fought in 1771, was a decisive defeat for the Regulators. During the Civil War, the county provided soldiers for both the Confederate and Union armies, although its primary allegiance was to the Confederacy. The textile industry played a major role in the economic development of Alamance County throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, with numerous mills established in towns like Burlington and Elon.

Geographically, Alamance County is characterized by rolling hills and fertile farmland. The Haw River is a prominent waterway, and several lakes, including Lake Mackintosh, provide recreational opportunities. The county's economy today is diversified, with manufacturing, education, and services contributing to its economic base. The presence of Elon University in Elon further contributes to the county's cultural and economic landscape. Alamance County is a part of the Greensboro-High Point Metropolitan Statistical Area.