With a population of more than 5,000 residents, Whiteville serves as the county seat for Columbus County. Named for the original owner of the town site, James B. White, in 1810, the bustling city lies along major thoroughfares U.S. 74 between Lumberton and Wilmington, U.S. 76 from Florence, SC to Wilmington, and U.S. Route 701 from Elizabethtown to Conway, SC.
Whiteville has a vibrant downtown, Vineland Village, home to unique restaurants and shops. The beautifully restored, Vineland Station built in 1903, is one of North Carolina’s original brick depots and serves as the town’s civic center. The active downtown development committee provides support to downtown businesses and events.