Durham is the Perfect Marriage of Southern Hospitality with High-Tech Industry

1/3/2021 (Permalink)

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Durham has Something to Offer All Residents and Visitors Who Venture to Explore It.

Durham is among the 100 most populous cities in the United States and on the top list for North Carolina. It owes its name to Bartlett S. Durham, who in 1849 donated some land to establish a railway depot. Located in the Piedmont region between the coastal plain and the Appalachian Mountains, it borders the Eno River to add to the city's natural beauty. Often grouped with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, the greater metropolitan area is often referred to as the Research Triangle.

In 1869, the North Carolina General Assembly recognized Durham as a town, and Durham County was ratified in 1881. The tobacco trade is much responsible for the region's growth, and Durham became the original site for the American Tobacco Company. The textile industry also played a crucial role in Durham's development, even though today medical and research companies are at the core of business in this bustling metropolitan area.

The Occoneechi and the Eno were the original inhabitants of what we now know as Durham. They farmed the land, and the Great Indian Trading Path allowed for trading and transportation through Durham. Starting in the early 1700s, the English settled the territory, and plantations were established. African slaves worked the land, and Southern traditions became closely intertwined with cultural elements brought into the area by laborers. The arrival of the North Carolina Railroad became a catalyst for growth in the city, and some 20 years later, Durham played an essential role in the American Civil War.  One cannot understand Durham without considering the beginning of the American Tobacco Company, which J.B. Duke started in 1890 through the merger of several tobacco manufacturers. 

To understand the company's importance, it is enough to know that it was one of the 12 founding corporations to join the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1896. In 1911, the company fractioned into several spin-off companies, but it continued to exist until 1994 when it sold its operations to Brown & Williamson. In the height of tobacco use, it carried such brands as Lucky Strike, and it prospered for decades. Not only was tobacco growth significant for North Carolina, but the ancillary services such as packaging and machine-rolling cigarettes also provided employment beyond Durham's boundaries.

The black community also established itself close to the center of town, and some of the most distinguished black-owned businesses began in Durham. Most notable, North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and others such as Mechanics & Farmers Bank were housed on "Black Wall Street," the popular nickname for Parrish Street. Halfway through the 20th century, manufacturing activities in the textile industry and tobacco companies began to suffer, leading to their eventual demise later on.  

Universities in Durham

The foresight of some of Durham's oldest residents can be held responsible for the area's stability today. 

In the 1950s, Duke University, the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University-Raleigh negotiated the purchase of land in Durham County with the idea of developing an educational establishment to build capacity for industries in the area. 

This association gave way to the first "Science Park" in the nation to great success. Its tradition of reputable higher education continues with the presence of –

• Duke University- recognized as one of the top ten universities in the nation
• Wake Forest- located in Winston-Salem and among the top 100 universities
• University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill- also considered among the top 30 universities in national universities
• Durham Technical Community College- focuses on technical programs and associate degrees

Several other colleges and technical institutions complement the intellectual capital being cultivated in the Durham area.

Durham Today

The Durham Performing Arts Center is emblematic of the community's effort towards the revitalization of the downtown area. The need to redevelop some historic tobacco buildings prompted incentives for restaurants, businesses, and entertainment venues to settle in Durham. 

Alongside, housing complexes and a welcoming environment have prompted many to relocate to the city. The city's diversity also plays a vital role in attracting investors and entrepreneurs from the tech industry, health sciences, and financial firms.

Culturally, Durham welcomes musicians and performers with open arms. Jazz, blues, and on-stage performances are typical in Durham, as are visits to museums and arts organizations. Record labels have also made downtown its home, and artistic talent can be found virtually everywhere.

As expected, collegiate sports are a big focus for Durham residents, with Duke University's various teams leading the way. Athletic parks and recreation areas serve as the backdrop for sports activities from pee-wee baseball to professional teams.

Like many other southern cities, Durham can get hot and humid during the summer while reaching cold temperatures in winter. However, the area avoids extreme temperatures making it a pleasant place to live year-round.

Restoration Companies in Durham

Durham exhibits the remarkable coexistence between older traditional structures and newer construction. Even though the original tobacco district was renovated, you can still feel and see the architectural elements typical of their time. Aging structures can pose a challenge for some home and business owners whenever older pipes break and allow water to leak onto hardwood floors and threaten structural elements.

SERVPRO is professional in its approach to water damage in your dwelling. We study and apply the best practices industry to achieve the restoration of your home or office with minimal disruption to your daily life. Our industry-grade equipment and expert staff are a phone call away and ready to lead the restoration process in full.

SERVPRO of North Durham is reachable around the clock by calling us at (919) 467-0880. Once we dispatch our staff, you can rest assured that the best team is on your side to protect you. Our goal, like yours, is to leave your place, "Like it never even happened."