Located in the heart of Johnston County, just off Interstate 42 (formerly Highway 70), Wilson’s Mills offers a peaceful, small-town charm with a rich history and strong community spirit. Officially incorporated in 1996, the town spans just over five square miles and offers a quiet, close-knit community atmosphere. Named after John Marshall Wilson—who operated a gristmill and cotton gin in the mid-1800s—Wilson’s Mills blossomed with the arrival of the North Carolina Railroad in 1856. Today, the town remains proud of its heritage, surrounded by farmland and natural beauty along the Neuse River, while continuing to grow as a welcoming place for families and visitors alike.
Wilson's Mills, composed of 5.5 square miles of land, is a growing residential community with a population of approximately 3,000 neighbors. The Town of Wilson's Mills is working to promote commercial, industrial, and residential areas. Adjacent to the Wilson's Mills corporate limits is the Johnston Regional Airport.
Wilson's Mills is a short commute to the Garner and RTP areas. To the east, nearby Johnston Community College offers a wide variety of lectures, concerts and exhibits, including the very popular Country Music Showcase! Only seven miles from the Town is UNC Health Johnston, a modern full service facility that is rated in the top 100 in the nation. Wilson's Mills was originally chartered in 1868 in order to bring electricity to the mills surrounding the railroad, but the Town's true birth took place when it was incorporated on August 2, 1996.