Sampson County, located in the Coastal Plain [5] region of North Carolina, was formed in 1784 from Duplin County [9] and was named for Col. John Sampson, a member of the North Carolina House of Commons. Early inhabitants of the area included the Coharie Indians [15], followed by English, Welsh [16], and Scottish [17] settlers. Clinton [18], the county seat, was incorporated in 1852 and was named after Richard Clinton, the foster son of John Sampson, the original owner of the land on which the town was built. Other communities in the county include Newton Grove, Suttontown, Turkey, Elliott, Harrells, Tomahawk, Parkersburg, Garland, and Keener. The Black River, Warrens Pond, Mingo and Starling Swamps, Dismal Bay, and Turkey and Wild Cat Creeks are a few of the county's significant physical features.

Notable among Sampson County's historic sites and landmarks are the Clinton Depot and Freight Station (ca. 1920); the Graves-Stuart House [19], built in the 1840s; the Archibald Monk House [20], built around 1824; and Thirteen Oaks, built in 1902. Cultural institutions include the Community Theatre Group, the Dr. Victor R. Small Cultural Arts Center, and the Sampson County History Museum [21]. The county hosts festivals and annual events such as the National Hollerin' Contest [14] in Spivey's Corner, the Fireman's Day Parade and Festival, the Sweet Potato Festival, and the Rotary Fair and Parade.

Sampson County produces agricultural goods such as tobacco [22], vegetables, cotton, corn, soybeans, swine [23], and poultry [24]. Manufactured goods include lumber and lumber products, furniture [25], apparel, and animal feeds. The estimated population of Sampson County was 62,600 in 2004.