The first inhabitants in what is now Wayne County were Tuscarora Native Americans. After the Tuscarora War during the early 1700's, most of the tribe traveled to upstate New York. By the mid 18th century, many European settlers had arrived and settled in the area. During early settlement, the area was divided into districts; in the early 1700's Wayne was part of Craven Parish. By 1746, the future Wayne County was part of Johnston County and in 1758 it became part of the new Dobbs County, named for Royal Governor Arthur Dobbs. Wayne County was formed from Dobbs County in 1779, when the town of Waynesborough was developed along the banks of the Neuse River. It was named for "Mad Anthony" Wayne, a Revolutionary War General.

Beaches, museums, historic sites, state parks, the Civil War Corridor, the capital city of Raleigh, and the mountains are within easy driving distance. Area nature lovers enjoy the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, just minutes away. Each year on the last full weekend in April, the area celebrates its agribusiness heritage with the North Carolina Pickle Festival -- one of the best-known festivals in the state. Statewide visitor information is provided by 1-800-VISIT-NC.