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Wake Forest

The town initially began in 1832 when the North Carolina Baptist Convention, intent on establishing an educational institute to train future ministers, purchased a 615-acre plantation north of the existing community of Forestville for $2,000. Wake Forest Manual Labor Institute, later Wake Forest College, opened to young men and boys in February 1834. 72 students had enrolled by the end of the first year. This community was incorporated as the “Town of Wake Forest College” in 1880 and in 1909, the word “College” was removed from the name. The college moved to the much larger city of Winston-Salem in 1956.
Today Wake Forest is home to over 37,000 residents. While the town continues to grow, it is a priority for the area to maintain its small town charm and unique identity.


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