General and Cosmetic Dentists Near West Bend, NC

West Bend is a small community in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Never officially incorporated, West Bend is a part of the Lewisville Township. Lewisville Township is one of 15 townships in Forsyth County. The Township is approximately 32.36 square miles. West Bend is one of many small community areas that make up Lewisville Township.

History

Located on the western edge of the county, the community and township of Lewisville sits along on the edge of the Yadkin River. Flowing through the entire state to South Carolina, the Yadkin River is one of the longest rivers in North Carolina. The River flows into the Great Pee Dee River and together this area makes up the Yadkin-Pee River Basin. The river basin area was once home to the Siouan Indians and the Siouan-speaking tribes, including the Saura and Tutelo tribes.

Later, prior to the colonial period, settlers from Ireland, Germany and England arrived during the colonial period and migrated into the river basin area from Virginia and Pennsylvania to the north. Migrants traveled in covered wagons along wagon routes named the Great Wagon Road and the Carolina Road. The Great Wagon Road was the most heavily traveled route along the eastern United States and aided in the early settlement of the Southern region of the United States. Travelers on the Great Wagon Road would visit the Yadkin River for water or camp for the evening along the edge of the river. During this time of great migration, the town of Lewisville was settled and founded by a group of migrants who traveled across the nearby pastures of the river to what is now known as the West Bend and Lewisville Township area.

The river basin was central to a large and historic state Supreme court decision when in 1859 the court decided that parts of the Yadkin River could be privatized and granted to private individuals. This first applied to ownership of one of the dams built across the river. During periods of drought in the region, water supply is reliant on the river and the division of water can become an issue of much contention in the area.

Even though Lewisville was first settled in the colonial period, the township of Lewisville was officially incorporated in 1991. The residents of Lewisville pushed for this incorporation to maintain the towns sense of community and history.

Today

Today Lewisville Township is one of the fastest growing communities in Forsyth County. The population in 2010 was estimated to be just over 17,700. The community of West Bend is located just west of the Lewisville Township downtown area. West Bend is known for the local West Bend Winery and Brewery, one of the oldest operating wineries in North Carolina. The winery is family owned and operated and has been since it was first opened in 1972. Over 40 acres of the West Bend territory are made up of the winery’s vineyards. All of the wines used are locally sourced from the Yadkin River valley area. Throughout the summer on weekends the winery hosts live music and outdoor picnics for the beauty of the scenic North Carolina beauty to be enjoyed.