Alamance county, situated on the western border of Orange County, got its name from the Native American word for "blue clay," a substance common in the rivers and streams of the county.
The county seat is Graham, which was settled in 1849. The town gets its name from Gov. William Graham. The largest city in the county is Burlington, the birthplace a cotton mill on Alamance Creek that grew into Burlington Industries.
The county was the site of a famous battle between 2,000 rebels known as "Regulators" and the colonial militia of Royal Governor Tryon in 1771. Alamance Battleground State Historic Site commemorates the battle, which the Regulators lost.
Along Interstate 85 in Alamance County are any number of outlet malls and stores, prompting busloads of bargain shoppers to visit every weekend.
Alamance County offers the best of small-city living in Burlington with pastoral living in small villages in the northern and southern portions of the county. It is conveniently located midway between Durham and Greensboro, offering easy commutes to both.
Helpful Alamance County links
