About Morrisville, North Carolina

Located on the western edge of Wake County, Morrisville, North Carolina is a growing community with a growing economy. Due to its proximity to the capital, Raleigh, and the large city Durham, Morrisville is a part of the Research Triangle metropolitan region. The Research Triangle is a U.S. Census Bureau’s Combined Statistical Area (CSA) including the communities of Raleigh Durham and Cary. According to the 2015 census, the population of Morrisville is estimated to be 23,699 and growing.

History

In 1852, Jeremiah Morris donated a large area of land to the North Carolina Railroad company so that a depot and water tower could be built. Other small buildings were constructed and the town continued to grow around the rail line and was named Morrisville after the generous donor, Morris. The town was also located to the intersections of major roads leading to Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Hillsborough. In 1865, the town became involved in the US Civil War, with the Battle of Morrisville. During the battle the Union armies intercepted the Confederate calvaries at Morrisville station. The troops were in the process of evacuating wounded and supplies. During the battle the Confederate cavalries suffered the loss of men and supplies and was forced to retreat to Durham where the largest surrender of the war would occur. The town of Morrisville was officially chartered in 1875.

Today

The community today looks much different than the rail depot of the past. Today the area is home to large industries including computer technology, clinical trial and telecommunications. The largest employer in the region is Lenovo, a computer technology producer, with over 2,215 employees. Other large employers include Cisco Systems, IBM, Microsoft, and Time Warner Cable. The proximity to the Research Triangle as well as the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Interstate 40 help make the area enticing to these light industries that involve employees to travel. The Morrisville Chamber of Commerce is responsible for the executive decision making involved with the management of the economic development of the community.

Between the 2000 and 2010 census it was estimated that the population of Morrisville increased by over 250%. Thanks to the development of these technology industries, Morrisville is home to a growing and diverse population of young adults. In fact, the community is one of the most diverse towns in the state. The racial composition of the community is approximately 54.0% White, 13% African American, and 27% Asian. Approximately 44% of the population is between the ages of 25 to 44 years and the median age is 32.5 years.

Outside of the employment opportunities of the industries located there, Morrisville offers residents local recreation activities including six community parks. Of these, theCrabtree Creek Nature Park is over 34 acres of natural woods and wetland. The Cedar Fork District Park is over 37 acres and includes 8 multipurpose fields for local sports teams. The town also has a local trial system with access on the Indian Creek Greenway and Trailhead, which includes a 1.8 mile trail along the creek.