The confluence of the Dan and Smith Rivers provided an ideal location for a center of commerce and industry. The Dan’s navigation led to the historic community of Leaksville, established as market for trade between Virginia and North Carolina. Soon after, the industrious community of Spray was formed, harnessing the Smith River to power a manufacturing enterprise. The railroad brought additional opportunity to the area, and the small town of Draper was developed as a thriving textile town a few miles to the east. From their humble beginnings, Leaksville, Spray and Draper each prospered in their own way, creating their own history, hometown life and community. As time went by, each community had struggles and successes, ultimately realizing their symbiotic nature, but also the shared history and values that bound them together.

In 1967, the communities consolidated, advancing William Byrd’s dream of self sufficiency, community, and appreciation for the natural landscape that connects them. The collective community was named Eden.

The last 50 years has seen a changing economy, and for each lost industry, there is an equal and opposite success. The resiliency of the community has been on display with the recruitment of Purina, as well as the renewed commitment of UNC Rockingham Health Care. While we continue to serve traditional economic development by providing jobs, commerce and water to the businesses at Berry Hill Industrial Park, our new economy is shaped by entrepreneurial energy, one that continues to rely on our natural environment.

Today, Eden is a small city with unlimited access to the Great Outdoors. Once powering the textile mills along their banks, the two rivers now provide a natural experience second to none, whether it be paddling the Dan, floating the Smith, or simply enjoying a stroll along our greenways. We are a base camp for the region, and our residents and visitors enjoy everything from hiking and mountain biking, hunting and fly fishing, as well as more passive exploration in parks and along trails. While Eden has changed over the past 50 years, we have retained the traditions that define the nature of our community: