Four Oaks, North Carolina (NC)You've found the most comprehensive online resource for Johnston County, NC - 4042.com!
Four Oaks - A Unique Blend of Civil War History and Small Town Charm The Johnston County town of Four Oaks is just over one square mile with an estimated population of 1,835 (2006), almost a 30 percent growth since 2000. Chartered in 1889, Four Oaks is located on I-95 and US 301 just about exactly halfway between New York City and Miami. Four Oaks developed as the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad was being built. And the town got its name from the railroad, which chose this particular site as a supply depot for construction materials because of a unique landmark located about fifty feet off of the rail bed. The landmark was an unusual oak which had four trunks growing out of one base. The four oaks were easily recognized by suppliers. Legend has it that the unusual tree was the result of a hunting outing in which a local fellow treed an opossum in the top of an oak sapling. Intent on his prey, he chopped down the tree and retrieved his prize. Four shoots sprouted out from the stump and developed into full oak trees Four Oaks is also the site of the Bentonville Battlefield, the scene of the last major Confederate offensive of the Civil War and today a historic site. The battlefield is located at 5466 Harper House Road and is open for tours Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Built in the late 1850s, the Harper House played a key role in the Battle of Bentonville, March 19-21, 1865. Occupied by Union troops on the first day of fighting, the house served as a field hospital for Sherman's XIV Army Corps. Over 500 wounded soldiers, including 45 Confederates, were treated at this facility. On March 22, 1865, Sherman's army left the Bentonville area, transporting all Federal wounded to nearby Goldsboro. Wounded Confederate soldiers were left behind at the Harper House, many of whom convalesced here for weeks. The Harper House still stands today. The downstairs rooms are furnished to interpret a functioning Civil War field hospital, while the upstairs rooms have period domestic furnishings. A Confederate mass grave, the Harper family cemetery, and a tour trail leading to a section of Union XX Corps earthworks are all accessible to the public. Reminders of the battle are on exhibit in the visitor center along with an audiovisual program about the battle. Roads in the area are marked with highway historical markers highlighting events of the battle. Four Oaks is also known for finance. The Bank of Four Oaks was chartered here in June of 1912, with a capital investment of $10,000. The Bank weathered the Depression of the early 1930's and was the 134th bank in the state allowed to open after the "Bank Holiday" in 1933. In 1986, the first branch office opened in Clayton. In 1991, an office was opened in Smithfield on Second St. and in 1995 on Brightleaf Boulevard. The Garner office, at Interstate 40 and Highway 42, opened in 1996, and the Benson office opened in 1997. Also in 1997, Four Oaks Fincorp, Inc., the holding company for Four Oaks Bank, was formed. The Bank's Financial Services was created in 1999, and in 2002, the Bank's subsidiary, Four Oaks Mortgage Company was formed. Today, Four Oaks Bank operates thirteen offices located in five eastern North Carolina counties. South Johnston High School, home of the Trojans, is also located in Four Oaks at 10381 US 301 South and is a member of the 3A Cape Fear Valley Conference. With a wonderful small town atmosphere, Four Oaks celebrates the spirit of community with a variety of festivals and events, including Bentonville Battlefield anniversary re-enactments, "Oaktober Fest," a Christmas parade and tree lighting, and of course, the all-day Acorn Festival. Find out more about Johnston County, NC - Town of: Benson, NC Town of: Clayton, NC Town of: Smithfield, NC Town of Selma, NC
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