Anson County, once the largest in the state with a border on the Mississippi River, was carved from Bladen County in 1750. It was named for Lord George Anson, a British admiral. The first courthouse was built on the bank of the Pee Dee River at Mount Pleasant. Anson is a largely rural area with 536 square miles and a population of 25,275 (2000 Census). Located in the south central region of North Carolina, the county is bordered by Richmond, Stanly and Union counties, and Chesterfield County, S.C. The county seat is Wadesboro.

Anson enjoys a mild climate, with an annual average temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 42.5 degrees. July is the hottest, with an average temperature of 78.9 degrees. The annual average rainfall is 41.52 inches. Centrally located, Anson is approximately one hour from Charlotte (50 miles), two hours and 10 minutes from Raleigh (115 miles) and two hours from Greensboro (100 miles).

Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge,a spot to visit - the refuge, located on U.S. 52-North (between Wadesboro and Ansonville), offers fishing and hunting activities, and bird-watching opportunities. The refuge is home to the white-tailed deer, beaver, fox, opossum, gray squirrel, bobcat, rabbit, raccoon, and different types of owls. The refuge is also home to the red cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species.