The City of Dunn was incorporated on February 12, 1887 and has come a long way since its settlement some 120 years ago as a logging town and turpentine distilling center. Today, Dunn claims an industrious citizenry of 10,000 along with a growing economy firmly grounded in agriculture, manufacturing, distribution, and tourism.

Designated an All-America City in 1989 and 2013 by the National Civic League, Dunn is the largest of five towns in Harnett County. Lillington is the county seat.

Conveniently situated less than two hours from North Carolina’s beautiful Crystal coast and just five hours from the oldest mountains in the world, Dunn is ideally located in the heart of North Carolina’s variety vacationland. With four distinct and beautiful seasons, the Dunn area boasts an average annual temperature of 62 degrees. About 47 inches of rain and under three inches of snow fall each year.

Dunn offers a variety of neighborhoods, along with convenient shopping, excellent schools, churches, and recreational opportunities. Because of its mild climate, outdoor activities and team sports are provided throughout the year at any one of Dunn’s three city parks.

Located within an hour’s drive of North Carolina’s thriving Research Triangle, the Dunn area sits at the convergence of an extensive transportation network. North and south links include I-95, US-301, and the Seaboard System Railroad, while I-40 and US-421 provide east to west routes. Commercial air transportation is available at nearby Fayetteville or Raleigh/Durham International Airports. Charter flights and private service are provided at the Harnett County Airport, a well-lit, 24-hour jet-fuel facility with a 5,000 foot runway.

Area Culture Thrives! In downtown Dunn, the Harnett Regional Theatre (www.onlinehrt.org) presents productions throughout the year at the renovated Stewart Theatre. Campbell University (www.campbell.edu), located in Buies Creek, just 10 miles away, regularly presents concerts, plays, and musicals.

A comprehensive school program provides a quality basic education – plus broad offerings for exceptional children and the academically gifted – for over 17,000 Dunn and Harnett County students. There are 26 public schools in the county and five private schools.

More than 14 Harnett County Schools have been awarded the School of Distinction by the ABC’s Recognition Program. There are more than 1,100 teachers in the Harnett County Schools and more than 2,000 employees. Visit www.harnett.K12.nc.us for more information or call Harnett County Schools at (910) 893-8151.

Dunn and the surrounding area are home to four separate technical and community college facilities. Central Carolina Community College, through its Harnett County campus, and the Triangle South Enterprise Center, provides courses and programs that directly benefit local industries and businesses. The campus located between Lillington and Buies Creek, offers both two-year and one-year degrees. (www.cccc.edu)

Campbell University, a private four-year institution located in Buies Creek, is one of Harnett County’s greatest assets. With 10,000 students representing all 50 states and more than 40 countries, Campbell offers 36 undergraduate degrees as well as graduate programs in Business, Law, Pharmacy, Government, Education, and Divinity. Campbell is North Carolina’s second largest private university.

Excellent medical facilities are offered by two local hospitals. Betsy Johnston Regional Hospital is an acute care health facility with 110 beds and is staffed by 69 active and consulting doctors. Central Harnett Hospital is located in the nearby town of Lillington and is expected to grow quickly, resulting in the addition of more than 500 new jobs in the next ten years and an economic impact of $700 million. The area is also served by a kidney center, cancer center, and a number of medical clinics.