Goldsboro Daily News : Wayne County’s FREE Local News

Goldsboro Daily News is the second-largest circulation newspaper in the state. It was founded in 1867, making it one of the oldest newspapers in North Carolina. The newspaper covers various local news, including government, education, crime, and business. It also has sections on sports, entertainment, and obituaries.

The newspaper you sent me a photo of is the front page of the Goldsboro Daily News for January 3, 2024. The headline is about a deceased body that remained found in Goldsboro. Other stories on the cover include an article about the Friends of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base discussing the future of the F-15E fighter jet and a story about Wayne Community College announcing its fall president and dean’s lists for 2023.

Is Goldsboro, NC, a Good Place To Live?

Whether Goldsboro, North Carolina, is an excellent place to live depends mainly on your priorities and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of some of the pros and cons to help you decide:

Advantages:

Low Cost of Living: Compared to many other parts of the US, Goldsboro boasts a significantly lower cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and general expenses.

Friendly Community: Goldsboro is known for its welcoming and close-knit community. People often describe it as having a small-town feel with friendly neighbors and a sense of place.

Outdoor Activities: The area surrounding Goldsboro offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, fishing, and golf. There are also several parks and green spaces within the city itself.

Growing Economy: Goldsboro’s economy is steadily increasing, thanks in part to the presence of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and several major employers in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. This can lead to more excellent job opportunities for residents.

Cultural Attractions: While not as bustling as larger cities, Goldsboro has its unique cultural scene with museums, art galleries, theaters, and historical sites.

Cons:

Limited entertainment options: Compared to larger cities, Goldsboro may have fewer nightlife options, entertainment venues, and diverse dining experiences.

Limited Public Transportation: Public transportation options in Goldsboro are relatively limited, making it often necessary to rely on a car.

Pollen season: The area experiences high pollen levels in spring, which can be a nuisance for people with allergies.

Job Market: While the economy is growing, the job market in Goldsboro may not offer as many opportunities or variety as larger cities, especially in specific fields.

Higher crime rates: Compared to the national average, Goldsboro has slightly higher crime rates, particularly in certain areas.

Ultimately, whether or not Goldsboro is an excellent place to live depends on what you value most. It could be a great option if you’re looking for a small-town atmosphere with a low cost of living and a tight-knit community. However, if you prefer the excitement and opportunities of a larger city, you may want to consider other options.

When Was Goldsboro Founded?

The founding of Goldsboro, North Carolina, dates back to two key events:

1. 1789: When Wayne County remained formed, the town of Waynesborough developed along the banks of the Neuse River. This settlement served as the county seat and laid the foundation for the future city of Goldsboro.
2. 1847: The Wilmington and Raleigh (Weldon) Railroad line remained built, and a hotel remained established at the intersection with New Bern Road. This public became a bustling center known as Goldsborough’s Junction, named after Major Matthew T. Goldsborough, assistant chief engineer of the railroad. This year, Goldsborough was officially incorporated and became the new county seat after a vote by the citizens of Wayne County.

Therefore, while Goldsboro’s origins date back to the founding of Waynesborough in 1789, the official incorporation and establishment of Goldsboro as a distinct town occurred in 1847.

What Is The History Of The Goldsboro Railroad?

Goldsboro, North Carolina, has a rich history intertwined with the railroad, dating back to the mid-19th century. Here’s a look at its fascinating railway past:

Early beginnings (1830s to 1860s):

Wilmington and Raleigh Railway (Weldon) – Built in the late 1830s, this line passed east of Waynesborough, creating a new junction where a hotel remained established. This settlement became known as Goldsborough’s Junction.

North Carolina Railroad: Established in the 1850s, this crucial north-south line bypassed the Goldsborough Junction, initially hampering its growth.

Growth and Expansion (1870s to 1920s):

Goldsborough Branch: Built in the 1870s, this vital connection linked Goldsborough’s Junction directly to the North Carolina Railroad, sparking the town’s rapid development.

Atlantic and North Carolina Railway – This line arrived in the late 1880s, further establishing Goldsborough as a major railway center.

Smithfield and Goldsboro Railroad: Founded in 1881, this short line provided valuable east-west connectivity to Smithfield, expanding commerce and passenger options.

Goldsboro Union Station: Opened in 1909, this large station symbolized the city’s importance as a transportation hub, served numerous railroad lines, and was bustling with activity.

Consolidation and Change (1930s – present):

Mergers and Acquisitions: During the 20th century, several railroad companies, including Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL) and Southern Railway, consolidated, impacting Goldsboro’s rail landscape.

Passenger Rail Decline: Passenger service to Goldsboro gradually declined throughout the 20th century, with the last Amtrak train stopping in 1968.

Freight transportation continues: Although passenger service ceased, Goldsboro remained a crucial freight hub, and CSX Transportation (formed from mergers) used the tracks to transport various goods.

Present and Future:

Revitalization Efforts: Efforts are underway to revitalize historic Goldsboro Union Station, potentially turning it into a multimodal transportation hub, museum, or community event space.

Rail lines remain active: freight trains pass through Goldsboro, ensuring its connection to the national rail network and contributing to the city’s economy.

Overall, the Goldsboro Railroad is essential in the town’s history, shaping its development, economy, and identity. While passenger rail has faded, the legacy of railway lines and stations continues to influence the present and pave the way for possible future developments.

If you’d like to delve deeper into specific aspects of Goldsboro’s railroad history, don’t hesitate to ask! I will be happy to explore more details based on your interests.