Raleigh, << RAW lee or RAH lee >> (pop. 467,665; met. area pop. 1,413,982), is the capital of North Carolina and a center of education, research, and trade. It lies in east-central North Carolina, where the hilly Piedmont region meets the flat, sandy coastal plain.
The city’s chief products include electronic components, processed food, and textiles. Many corporations and federal agencies operate research facilities at Research Triangle Park, a large complex near the city.
Cultural attractions in Raleigh include the North Carolina Symphony and state museums of art, history, and natural sciences. The city is the home of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League. Institutions of higher learning in the city include Meredith College, North Carolina State University, St. Augustine’s University, Shaw University, and William Peace University. The Andrew Johnson House, the birthplace of the 17th president of the United States, is also in Raleigh.
Tuscarora Indians lived in what is now the Raleigh area before white settlers arrived there. The state legislature founded Raleigh in 1792 after choosing the site for the state capital. The city was named for Sir Walter Raleigh, who sent colonizing expeditions to the area in the late 1500’s.
Raleigh’s chief growth occurred after World War II ended in 1945, especially following the opening of Research Triangle Park in 1959. In 1977, the city finished turning part of its main street into a pedestrian mall called the Fayetteville Street Mall. The State Capitol stands at one end of the mall, and at the other end is a performing arts center, completed in 2001. In 2006, the mall was reopened to vehicle traffic.
Raleigh is the county seat of Wake County. The city has a council-manager form of government.
See also North Carolina (Climate) .
