Garner is one of the finest, friendliest portions of what Sir Walter Raleigh called "the goodliest land." Nestled in the exciting, high-tech Research Triangle heart of North Carolina's eastern Piedmont, Garner is a unique and inviting combination of the best of the old and the most innovative of the new.

Nowhere else in the state does the solid bedrock of family-oriented tradition and the progressive catalyst of new ideas and new technology meet and mingle. A truly fascinating harmony is found in our community of over 18,000 people.

That harmony has drawn thousands of new residents to Garner during the last 20 years as workers and leaders in business, industry, government and research look for an affordable, traditional home for their families. With Garner's convenient access to one of the nation's premier metropolitan areas, major transportation arteries, numerous universities, and the world famous Research Triangle Park, Garner has become a popular place to live and do business in recent years.

Because Garner has a small-town heritage, it's the kind of place where neighbors meet at their mailboxes and talk over local issues - where everyone turns out for the Friday night high school football games or the annual Independence Day Festival.

Garner is minutes away from enjoying a downtown exhibit at the State Art Museum, rooting for one of the local Atlantic Coast Conference football teams, enjoying an evening's entertainment with a live performance by the North Carolina Symphony, or laughing with one of the country' s hottest comedians.

Since development has been steady, but not explosive over the last decade, Garner has had time to plan for essential facilities and services to accommodate the growth that's now quickly bcoming its way.

Today, Garner is the place to find all the opportunities that go along with economic growth and all the benefits of city living in a less taxing, more gracious living and business environment.

Garner is Wake County's third-largest municipality, located six miles east of Raleigh along I-40 or U.S. 70. With some 20,000 residents and growing, Garner keeps its aura of a small, historic town. Locals boast there's no traffic congestion. Part of downtown is a designated historic district with several buildings, such as the train depot, on the National Register of Historic Places.

The town began as a 1759 land grant (3,000 acres) by England's King George. Part of the area later became the site of a community known as Rand's Mill, and Rand's Mill Pond was later renamed Lake Benson. (It was enlarged in 1951 and is now used as a reservoir.) Garner experienced combat in the closing days of the Civil War, marked by the carefully preserved bullet holes in Bethel Church and the ¿Garner¿ house, which was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers.

Times immediately after the war were difficult, but by 1878 the community had established a post office. The town of Garner was officially named in 1905. A historic map shows that Garner was connected to Raleigh by Holloman's Road ¿ a typical country road that remained unpaved until about 1918. In addition to linking Garner to the state capitol, the road was a small section of what was to become one of the oldest and longest traveled corridors in North Carolina, the Central Highway, which went from the mountains to the sea. In 1910, the road became jointly known as Number 10 and U.S. 70. It was the first paved road to be built in the state.

The first settlers were primarily cotton farmers. Town records show that the first business in Garner was a wood shop owned by Henry Fort, who was a cabinetmaker and carpenter, making wardrobes, bureaus, and other pieces of furniture that are still used by some Garner residents today. Early businesses included a mercantile, several general stores, cotton gins, a blacksmith, barbershops, livery stables and boarding houses. The first bank was established in Garner in 1910; telephone service came to Garner in 1912.

Garner has continued to burgeon with business and service establish­ments, both within and outside the corporation limits. Town officials predict the town will continue to grow at a rapid rate. Sports are king in Garner, and local parks have a selection of fields. Amenities also feature the Garner Historic Auditorium, a restored 512-seat building is that is host to many performances and events. The elegant lobby often is used for special occasions and acts as an art gallery, as well. The Garner Senior Center is the focal point for senior adult programs and has received statewide recognition for quality services.

Garner boasts many new communities, such as Summers Walk and the golf community of Eagle Ridge (the course was designed by Tom Kite). There's also the acclaimed 150-acre estate development of Chadbourne, a development of custom homes on the site of a historic family farm. The clubhouse is being restored to its Civil War-era origins. The lastest upscale community to hit the scene is Everwood just minutes behind the new White Oak shopping complex.

Whatever you are looking for in a community, Garner surely has to offer. For more information on the town or homes in the area, please contact me!

Links of Interest www.GarnerCalendar.com
Garner Chamber of Commerce
Town of Garner
Wake County Public Schools
Wake County Government
Garner Facts & Figures
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