As the largest city in Alamance County, Burlington is home to 47,000 residents and growing. With the recent influx of Hispanic immigrants, which make up 10 percent of the population, Burlington is becoming increasingly diverse.

Its proximity to urban areas as well as its own economic base has fueled a steady growth in recent years. New roads and expanded city services have successfully accommodated the growing community.

Established in 1893, Burlington began as a railroad repair center called Company Shops. Like other cities in the area, Burlington grew to be a center for textiles and a prominent mill village. One of its greatest industries was hosiery. In fact, at the turn of the century Burlington was known as the "Hosiery Center of the South." In the 1920s, Burlington Industries invested in
an innovative fabric called rayon, adding to the city's economic boom.

Today, LabCorp, specializing in medical testing, is the largest employer in Alamance County. Alamance Regional Medical Center, a state-of-the-art health-care facility that serves patients throughout the region, and Carolina Biological Supply are other leading businesses stationed in Burlington.

Capturing Burlington's past, the Alamance County Historical Museum is established on the 19th century house of textile pioneer Edwin Michael Holt. Paramount Theater, for­ merely known as The Grand, was built during Burlington's boomtown years in 1928. The art-deco theater avoided the citywide demolition of older buildings in 1973 and has since seen a number of renovations, making it an historical attraction. The 400-seat theater, which has a full stage and lobby, hosts touring companies and regional acts.

The Company Shops Depot, once the hub of activity in Burlington, was built in the mid-1800s. It was moved from the railroad tracks to its present site in 1978. Today, it plays host to special events, meetings and outdoor concerts.

Other historical sites include the Alamance Battleground, which marks a Revolutionary War battlefield, and Glencoe Mill Village, which recaptures industrial mill life of the 1800s. Homes in the village have recently been restored and sold to homebuyers in order to preserve the structures.

Bargain hunters can't resist stopping in at the Burlington Manufacturers Outlet Center which hosts a wide variety of outlet stores ranging from apparel to computers. B.M.O.C., as the locals call it, attracts visitors from
across the Southeast.

Located about a mile from down­town on South Church Street, Burlington City Park offers a 76-acre amusement park with a restored Dentzel Carousel that was built nearly 100 years ago. It is also the site of the Burlington Carousel Festival, which draws over 50,000 visitors each year, as well as a variety of special events throughout the year.

Residents can also catch a minor­ league baseball game. The Burlington Indians, a division of the Cleveland Indians, play at Burlington Athletic Stadium in Fairchild Park.

A number of lakes in the area also add to Burlington's charm. Lake Cammack, located north of Burlington, is a Y-shaped lake that is five miles long, covers800 acres and includes 50 miles of shoreline. Launching ramps on Lake Cammack offer opportunities for boating, fishing and skiing. A mile-long walking trail through the woods compliments the tranquil lake atmosphere.

In addition to paddleboats, fishing and boating, 1,1 02-acre Lake Mackintosh also includes a 67 -acre park that features beautiful views of the former stone quarry and a forest of hardwood trees.

A new development, Mackintosh on the Lake, offers five neighborhoods with single-family homes ranging from the $140s to over $1 million. Other high-end neighborhoods in Burlington include Somerton and Country Club Forest.

Indian Valley Golf Course on Haw River is an Ellis Maples design. The 18-hole, par-70 course is owned and operated by the City of Burlington.

Burlington also offers educational opportunities nearby. Alamance Community College in Graham offers associates degrees, diplomas and
certificates in business, health and public services, and industrial and graphic technologies. Elon University, a private school founded in 1887, is located just west of Burlington.