Local Information

Johnston County

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Formed in 1746, Johnston County (also known as JoCo to the locals) is a true southern community, offering a bit of farming and country life with connections to history, entertainment, and outlet shopping. Located halfway between New York and Florida on I-95 and at the cross-roads of I-95 and I-40, Johnston County connects the nation's North and South with East and West. Its location places it only a two-hour drive from Atlantic Coast Beaches and a four-hour drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains. The county is replete with historical sites ranging from the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, the location of the last major battle of the Civil War and the site of the largest military engagement ever fought on state soil, to the Atkinson’s Mill, a working gristmill dating back 240+ years, to the Tobacco Farm Life Museum preserving authentic eastern North Carolina rural heritage, to the Ava Gardner Museum, a celebration of the career of the film legend. Johnston County is also home to one of the best equipped local history and genealogy facilities in the country, the Heritage Center in Smithfield. The Carolina Premium Outlets directly off I-95 is also nationally known for its shopping facilities. With great barbecue from Smithfield’s Chicken & Barbecue, Johnston County has a relaxed, slow-paced lifestyle true to southern tradition.

Johnston County Government

Johnston County Cities and Towns: