Garner is
Wake County's third-largest municipality, located six miles east of Raleigh
along I-40 or U.S. 70. With some 20,000 residents and growing, Garner keeps its
aura of a small, historic town. Locals boast there's no traffic congestion. Part
of downtown is a designated historic district with several buildings, such as
the train depot, on the National Register of Historic Places.
The town began as a 1759 land grant (3,000 acres) by England’s King George. Part of the area later became the site of a community known as Rand's Mill, and Rand's Mill Pond was later renamed Lake Benson. (It was enlarged in 1951 and is now used as a reservoir.) Garner experienced combat in the closing days of the Civil War, marked by the carefully preserved bullet holes in Bethel Church and the “Garner” house, which was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers.
Times immediately after the war were difficult, but by 1878 the community had established a post office. The town of Garner was officially named in 1905. A historic map shows that Garner was connected to Raleigh by Holloman's Road – a typical country road that remained unpaved until about 1918. In addition to linking Garner to the state capitol, the road was a small section of what was to become one of the oldest and longest traveled corridors in North Carolina – the Central Highway, which went from the mountains to the sea. In 1910, the road became jointly known as Number 10 and U.S. 70. It was the first paved road to be built in the state.
The first settlers were primarily cotton farmers. Town records show that the first business in Garner was a wood shop owned by Henry Fort, who was a cabinetmaker and carpenter – making wardrobes, bureaus, and other pieces of furniture that are still used by some Garner residents today. Early businesses included a mercantile, several general stores, cotton gins, a blacksmith, barbershops, livery stables and boarding houses. The first bank was established in Garner in 1910; telephone service came to Garner in 1912.
Garner has
continued to burgeon with business and service establishments, both within and
outside the corporation limits. Town officials predict the town will continue to
grow at a rapid rate. A Centennial Committee is planning for a yearlong
celebration in 2004 beginning in May and culminating with a re-enactment of the
signing of the Town Charter in April 2005.
Sports are king in Garner, and local parks have a selection of fields. Amenities also feature the Garner Historic Auditorium, a restored 512-seat building is that is host to many performances and events. The elegant lobby often is used for special occasions and acts as an art gallery, as well. The Garner Senior Center is the focal point for senior adult programs and has received statewide recognition for quality services.
Garner boasts many new communities, such as Summers Walk and the golf community of Eagle Ridge (the course was designed by Tom Kite). There’s also the acclaimed 150-acre estate development of Chadbourne – a development of custom homes on the site of a historic family farm. The clubhouse is being restored to its Civil War-era origins.