General and Cosmetic Dentists Near Advance, NC

Advance is a small unincorporated community and is a U.S. Census Designated Place in Davie County, North Carolina. The town is situated in the center of North Carolina, approximately 75 miles northeast of Charlotte. Advance is a part of the Piedmont Triad area, often called the Triad. The Triad is an area that includes the major metropolitan cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. The area has been designated as a US Combined Statistical Area, or CSA. CSAs are defined as adjacent metropolitan areas in the US that are economically or socially intertwined. Although the community of Advance only has a population estimated around 1,138 the population of the Piedmont Triad in 2012 was approximately 1,611,243. The total area of the triad is estimated to be just under 6,000 square miles. The Triad is known for the important role it played in the history of the US and the American Civil Rights Movement.

History

The rural community of Advance does not have an event filled history. Even the origins of the town’s name are unknown. It is suggested by some that the name comes from the name of a popular town resident and freed slave, Samuel Vance Allen. Another story suggests that there were many community residents hoping that by adding a post office, the town would advance and grow. An additional story suggests that Advance was named after a steamer from the Confederate blockade during the US Civil War. The steamer was called the A D Vance. This steamer was then won by the Union forces and renamed the USS Advance.

Today

Today, the rural community of Advance is made up of a collection of small communities, such as Bixby, Fulton, and Fork Church. These small communities are not independently recognized, and all reside in one postal code serviced by the Advance Post Office. In total, the area is estimated to be approximately 7.2 square miles. Although Advance has not developed as some residents had hoped, the population has grown at a rapid rate over the past 10 years. The community has become somewhat less rural and is now considered more of a bedroom community to the larger metropolitan areas of Clemmons and Winston-Salem. The unincorporated community is now the site of several housing developments, which have taken over large areas of farmland. This residential development has not changed the charm and character of the small town of Advance. In fact, many of the town business and shops have been in existence for years. The Shell station has been open for over 40 years and was the only service station available near interstate 40. The Advance Country Store is a regular stop for locals to have a coffee and catch up. A yearly favorite among the town residents and nearby neighbors is the Advance Christmas Parade. The Parade has taken place for over 20 years and anyone is invited to participate in the fun. It usually includes a potluck or lunch offered after at the town Fire Department with Santa as a special guest.