Forsyth
The county was formed in 1849 from Stokes County. It was named for Colonel Benjamin Forsyth, who was killed in the War of 1812 during the battle of Odelltown, Canada. The county seat is Winston-Salem. Portions of Forsyth County are in the Yadkin Valley Wine Region (Yadkin County AVA).
Forsyth County was originally settled in 1753 by Moravians. Bishop August Gottlieb Spangenberg had acquired a 100,000 acre tract from Lord Granville. The settlement was called Wachovia. This name came from the Austrian estate of Austrian estate of Count Nicholas Lewis von Zinzendorf. He had been an early defender of the Moravians. Settlements were established at Bethabara and Bethania and then Salem (1766) which was the principal settlement in Wachovia.
When the county was formed, the town of Winston was named as the county seat just 1 mile north of the Salem.
One of the great attractions of modern day Forsyth County is Old Salem Museums and Gardens. From their website: “Old Salem Museums & Gardens is America’s most comprehensive history attraction. Our four museums – the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), the Old Salem Children’s Museum, and the Old Salem Toy Museum – engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South.”
Also from their website: “Old Salem Museums & Gardens is a unique community of original museum buildings, authentic craftsmen practicing their trade, fascinating collections of rare antiques, and one-of-a-kind retail shopping opportunities.
The stories and activities experienced by visitors in the museums convey a much larger aspect of early America than just the Moravians who settled in Salem, NC. The experiences are a reflection on evolving economy and diversity of lifestyles that made up the early South. Early Southerners struggled with common principles such as freedom, faith, tradition, government, segregation, and war – many of the same issues that remain relevant in today’s world.”
Forsyth County Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 5715
Winston-Salem, NC 27113-5715
Forsyth County Courthouse
201 N. Chestnut 5th floor
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Census
1850 Federal Census Index by last name only
1850 Federal Census Transcription Heads of household
Cemeteries
USGS listing of cemeteries in Forsyth County
Query Forums
Forsyth County, NC Query Forum
Forsyth County, NC at Genforum
Cities and towns of Forsyth County:
Ardmore
Belews Creek
Bethania
Clemmons
Dosier
Eller
Gumtree
Guthrie
Hanes
Kernersville
Lewisville
Matthewstown
Mount Tabor
Muddy Creek
NC Baptist Hospital
North
Oldtown
Peace Haven Estates
Pfafftown
Rural Hall
Sedges Garden
Seward
Stanleyville
Talleys Crossing
Tobaccoville
Union Cross
Vienna
Walkertown
Waughtown
West Bend
Winston Salem (County Seat)
News related to Forsyth County, NC
“forsyth county” nc – Google News
Man convicted of murder in NC officer’s death – WLOS
 Winston-Salem Journal |
Man convicted of murder in NC officer's death
WLOS A sentencing hearing was scheduled to begin Friday in Forsyth County Superior Court. Carter could face eight to 17 years in prison. Plouff Verdict: Carter Guilty of Second Degree Murder |
NC County Official Suggests Conservative Christians are Racist – Los Angeles Times
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NC County Official Suggests Conservative Christians are Racist
Los Angeles Times WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Forsyth County Commissioner Walter Marshall stirred the debate over prayer before Forsyth County Commissioners' … |
Incentives: Do they really work? – McDowell News
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Incentives: Do they really work?
McDowell News Forsyth County kicked in another $37.2 million. In exchange, Dell promised to hire "at least" 1200, perhaps as many as 2000 employees. … |
Four Forsyth County men charged in Iredell robbery – Statesville Record & Landmark
 Salisbury Post |
Four Forsyth County men charged in Iredell robbery
Statesville Record & Landmark STATESVILLE, NC – Four men from Forsyth County have been charged in connection with the Dec. 30, 2009 robbery of a pharmacy in northern Iredell County. … 2 nabbed in Iredell robbery |
Community Milestones – Winston-Salem Journal
 Winston-Salem Journal |
Community Milestones
Winston-Salem Journal Forsyth County: Elizabeth B. Ackley, Jean-Carlo Acuna, Jason Adouli, Katherine Anne Allen, Jonathan Carl Anders, Luke A. Andrew, Kristin S. Ayers, … |
NC Realtor Says County Sold More Homes In January – HULIQ
 Winston-Salem Journal |
NC Realtor Says County Sold More Homes In January
HULIQ Following the trend across the United States, home sales are also increasing in North Carolina's real estate market, particularly in Forsyth County, … Triad, Northwest NC receive up to 3.5 inches of snow Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools on 2-hour delay More snow expected today in much of North Carolina |
