The medicinal spring that built a North Carolina town

Health · Published 18 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Long before it was a bustling hub near Research Triangle Park, this community was a destination for travelers seeking healing. It all began with a single discovery in a tobacco field, where the mineral-rich waters of a hidden spring promised much more than just a drink.

In 1858, while plowing a family tobacco farm, Stephen Fuquay discovered a spring that would change the region's trajectory. Initially used for drinking water, the spring's mineral properties soon gained a reputation for medicinal benefits. As word of these healing powers spread, the area attracted visitors from neighboring counties, eventually leading to the formation of the Chalybeate Springs Company in 1860 to market the attraction. To better accommodate the influx of tourists arriving by road or rail, the spring was eventually enclosed within walls. This expansion of the site helped solidify its status as a regional landmark.

The town's identity was forged from two distinct entities: Fuquay Springs and Varina. The latter's name carries a romantic history; J.D. 'Squire' Ballentine, a former schoolmaster turned Confederate soldier, named his post office in 1880 after Virginia Avery, a woman who had written to him during his service. While Fuquay Springs became a tourist destination—complete with 'Moonlight Excursions' via rail and various hotels—Varina developed as a commercial and rail hub. The community near the post office grew around the Varina Mercantile Company, a general store owned by the Ballentine family. In 1910, Ballentine constructed the Ballentine Spence House, which was notable for being the first local residence equipped with electricity and plumbing.

By the early 20th century, the two towns were growing in tandem through agriculture and the tobacco trade. Despite the later decline in spring tourism due to the rise of automobile travel, the shared economic interests and social bonds led to a formal merger in 1963. Today, the town has transitioned from its agricultural roots to a significant residential center, with a population estimated at 48,536 as of July 2025. The town's recent expansion is largely driven by its proximity to Research Triangle Park. According to the 2020 census, the population reached 34,152, marking a significant increase from the 7,898 residents recorded in 2000.

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