A COMMUNITY WITH TRADITIONS

The Town of Dobson was founded in 1850 as a consequence of a geographical division of Surry County by the North Carolina General Assembly. A central site was needed for a new County Seat, and the courthouse was completed in 1853. The Town was named in honor of William Polk Dobson, a prominent Surry County citizen, State Senator, farmer, lawyer, and member of the State constitutional convention of 1835. He was a cousin of President James Knox Polk.

From 1853 forward, Dobson has served as the host community for Surry County Government and has served as the retail, commercial and employment center for central Surry County.

Dobson became the host community for Surry Community College in 1964. The College offi cially serves both Surry and Yadkin counties, offering a variety of degree and diploma programs, as well as providing four-year educational opportunities. Surry Community College offers the most complete viticulture and enology program on the east coast other than Colgate University. With proximity to Interstate Highways 74 and 77, Dobson provides a southern gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and is at the heart of the Yadkin Valley Wine Region.