| Robeson County (ROB-uh-son) | was formed in 1787 from Bladen County. Located in the SE section of the state, it is bounded by the state of South Carolina and by Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland, Bladen, and Columbus Counties. It was named for Col. Thomas Robeson (1740-85), Revolutionary War officer. Area: 948 sq. mi. County seat: Lumberton, with an elevation of 137 ft. Triracial population with roughly equal numbers of African Americans, Native Americans (principally Lumbee), and Caucasians. Townships are Alfordsville, Black Swamp, Britts, Burnt Swamp, East Howellsville, Fairmont, Gaddy, Lumber Bridge, Lumberton, Marietta, Maxton, Orrum, Parkton, Pembroke, Philadelphus, Raft Swamp, Red Springs, Rennert, Rowland, Saddletree, St. Pauls, Shannon, Smiths, Smyrna, Sterlings, Thompson, Union, West Howellsville, and Wishart. Produces tobacco, corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, cotton, poultry, hogs, turkeys, tomatoes, cabbage, eggs, livestock, onions, tomatoes, lumber, soup, textiles, packaging, and apparel. |