Wilkes County, located in the Mountain [5] region of North Carolina, was formed in 1777 from Surry County [12] and named for the English statesman John Wilkes, a member of the Parliament who fought for American independence. Early inhabitants of the area included the Tutelo and Cherokee [17] Indians; the region was later inhabited by German [18] and Scotch-Irish [19] settlers. Wilkesboro [20], the county seat, was incorporated in 1847 and named for the county. Other Wilkes County communities include Ronda, Roaring River, North Wilkesboro [21], Moravian Falls, Boomer, Ferguson, Millers Creek, Mulberry, Wilbar, and Austin. Physical features significant to the county are the Yadkin River and the W. Kerr Scott [22] Reservoir.

"Tom Dooley" [15] of legend and song was hanged in 1868 for the murder of Laura Foster in Ferguson. Wilkes County landmarks and historic sites include the Old Wilkes County Jail, built in 1858; the Robert Cleveland House [23], built in the late eighteenth century; Claymount Hill, built in 1870; and the Wade Hampton Harris Memorial Bridge, built in 1931. Cultural attractions include the Wilkes Symphony Orchestra, Wilkes Art Gallery [24], Wilkes Playmakers [25], and the Whippoorwill Academy and Village [26], including the Tom Dooley Art Museum. Natural attractions within the county include Stone Mountain State Park [27] and the Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest [28]. The county hosts festivals and annual events such as MerleFest [16], Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, Wilkes Agricultural Fair, Lowe's Balloons over the Blue Ridge, Mountain Bike Ride, and North Wilkesboro Fireworks Celebration.

Wilkes County farms produce such commodities as flue-cured tobacco, apples, poultry [29], and beef cattle; forestry is an important source of revenue in the county as well. Manufactured goods include hardboard siding, tools, milling equipment, glass products, lingerie, furniture [30], shoes, and hosiery. Wilkes County had an estimated population of 67,000 in 2004.