Morrisville,
North Carolina is situated in Wake and Durham counties, with the
majority of the city in Wake County. Of Morrisville’s ten square mile area,
only 11 acres are located in Durham County. One of 100 counties in North
Carolina, Wake County is located in approximately the center of the state.
Morrisville, with just under twelve thousand people, bills itself as being
“The heart of the triangle”.
Local history is important to the town of Morrisville, NC, which was founded
in 1852. The Battle
of Morrisville was an important event in the civil war; its battlefield is
located behind the town hall. Half of the battlefield remains undeveloped. While
more development is planned, (Wake County is the fastest growing county in NC),
plans are being challenged by local historical preservation societies.
Morrisville, North Carolina is in a prime location adjacent to the Raleigh-Durham
International Airport and The
Research Triangle Park. This has resulted in very significant commercial and
industrial growth. Morrisville’s
tax base has grown approximately 350% from 1989 to 1999. More than 800
businesses are located in the town, allowing Morrisville to offer many services
and amenities to the rapidly
expanding population as well. Growth is projected for both population and
commerce for years to come. Future projects are described in the town
newsletter, The
Morrisville.
Wake County, NC in which the majority of Morrisville’s residents live, had
a median
household income of $54,988 in the year 2000
Census, well above national median income of $41,994. Numbers from the 2000
Census show a population of 5,208, and are expected to be skewed when estimated
for 2004; an unprecedented second census was instituted in Morrisville because
of the tremendous rapid growth in the area. The 2004
official Census (not estimated) population number is 11,915 - more than
double in less than 4 years.
There are many interesting and scenic places to visit in Morrisville, NC. The
Chatham Hill Winery has events, shows and tastings. The
Lake Crabtree County Park offers picnicking, hiking and paddle boating. The
Cedar Fork Community Center offers programs for families including art
classes, sports and programs for seniors. Morrisville’s attractions are
enhanced by temperate weather. There are also many options for out of town
guests with 14 hotel/motel locations in Morrisville.
There are currently two public elementary schools and one high school serving
Morrisville, NC: the Northwoods
Elementary School, The
Morrisville Elementary School, and the Green
Hope High School. The
Sterling Montessori Academy is also located in Morrisville, as are other
private and charter schools. More schools are planned due to the town’s rapid
population growth. Local news sources estimate the town’s growth at 70 people
per day - a major concern for the school board. Strayer
University is also located in Morrisville. It is a branch of a 110-year-old
university offering bachelors and masters degrees, mainly in business fields.
Morrisville, North Carolina’s day-to-day operations are run by the Town
Manager who implements policies and decisions made by the Board of
Commissioners. The citizens also elect a mayor. Known as a Council-Manager
government, the Board of Commissioners appoints the Town Manager.
Major economic and population growth impact all areas of the town’s
government and its citizens, but their true southern roots show through in
Morrisville’s mission to bring quality government and amenities to its
citizens along with historical charm.
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