The 1838 arrival of the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad initiated the influx of people that would eventually bring this rural city to life. From its roots as a textile, tobacco and cotton town, Henderson gradually shifted towards an economy primarily supported by the retail market. During this time, Henderson flourished into a city with over 16,000 residents (according to the 2000 Census). Although now a prosperous, modern city, Henderson's heritage remains evident in the historical sites spread throughout the area. Sites such as Vance County Courthouse, the Pool Rock Plantation and the Henderson Central Business Historic District procured placement on the National Register for Historic Places. In addition, the downtown shopping area maintains status as a North Carolina Main Street city.

Site Selection Magazine recently named Henderson one of the top ten small towns in America for new commercial and industrial development. The city has proudly maintained its rank among the top thirty for four consecutive years. Businesses that contributed to this ranking include Saint-Gobain Containers and Robco Manufacturing. To aid in successful business practices, Vance County Economic Development Commission provides packages containing economic, demographic, building and site information.

Henderson provides residents with recently renovated public schools, a modest selection of private schools and Vance-Granville Community College. A wide variety of options exists for higher learning in cities located within a short drive of Henderson. These include North Carolina State University and Shaw University, both in Raleigh, and with Duke University and North Carolina Central University, which are both in Durham. Nearby, the Research Triangle Park supplies exceptional resources for universities, businesses and local entrepreneurs.

Recreational activities abound in Henderson's various developed parks and marinas. Located within one of North Carolina's largest state parks, Kerr Lake holds 50,000 acres of water surrounded by 850 miles of shoreline that stretch across the Virginia border. Initially built for flood control, Kerr Lake rapidly transformed into a popular tourist attraction, offering its visitors a picturesque location for boating, camping, fishing and skiing. Residents gather annually at the lake to celebrate with Fourth of July fireworks and the Labor Day Parade of Lights.

Henderson, North Carolina, balances a booming industrial base with its unassuming atmosphere, to provide an equilibrium that businesses and families can both appreciate.

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