The county was formed in 1777 from Edgecombe County. It was named for Brigadier General Francis Nash, who had been mortally wounded that year at the Battle of Germantown.

In 1855 parts of Nash County, Edgecombe County, Johnston County, and Wayne County were combined to form Wilson County, North Carolina.The county is divided into sixteen townships: Bailey, Castalia, Coopers, Dry Wells, Ferrells, Griffins, Jackson, Mannings, Nashville, North Whitakers, Oak Level, Red Oak, Rocky Mount, Spring Hope, South Whitakers, and Stony Creek.

Cities & Towns

* Bailey * Castalia * Dortches * Middlesex * Momeyer * Nashville * Red Oak * Rocky Mount * Spring Hope * Whitakers