Durham
[key], city (2020 pop. 324,833), seat of Durham co., N central N.C., in
the Piedmont area; inc. 1867. Once a major tobacco and textile center,
Durham is a research and education center. Manufacturers include medical,
computer, electronic, and telecommunications equipment; plastic, paper, and
lumber products; and aircraft components. The area was settled c.1750. Gen.
Joseph E. Johnston surrendered nearby to Gen. William T. Sherman during the
Civil War. After the war the tobacco industry began with James B. Duke as the leading manufacturer.
Economic growth was spurred with the establishment (1959) of the Research Triangle Park, in the
triangular area between Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, which utilizes the
concentration of university research talent in those three cities. Durham is
the seat of Duke Univ. and North Carolina Central Univ., and Durham
Technical Community College. Of interest are the Sarah P. Duke Memorial
Gardens and the Children's Nature Museum. The American Dance Festival is
held in the city each summer.
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