To the residents of Raleigh-Durham, the region is better-known as "The Triangle," which includes Raleigh, Durham and nearby Chapel Hill. The name "Triangle" refers to the Research Triangle Park (RTP) built in 1956 and located between the two cities. The RTP is the largest research park in the entire world, often compared to Silicon Valley. It is also home to three famous and historic universities: Durham's Duke University, Raleigh's North Carolina State University and Chapel Hill's University of North Carolina.

Originally, the region was called the "Triangle" because of its location between the three historic universities. Now the "Triangle" is better-known for its learned population, which is said to be the most educated of any other population in the country. The Triangle region is home to the most Ph.D.s per capita, as well as to some of the most talent in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and information technology.

Besides the RTP, the Raleigh-Durham connection is strengthened by the shared Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which serves as a major transportation center and is located in Raleigh. The Raleigh-Durham region has established itself as a home of big business, with companies including IBM, GlaxoSmithKline and Wyeth.

The Raleigh-Durham region shares a great deal, including a reputation as a getaway destination and as one of the best places in the world to eat barbecue. However, both Raleigh and Durham possess rich individual histories.

Raleigh Facts:

• The city was laid out in 1792, and Raleigh was named for the famous explorer Sir Walter Raleigh.
• Raleigh was called the "City of Oaks" in the 18th century and was dedicated to the maintenance of public forests and parks.
• During the Civil War, Raleigh was occupied by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman. In 1865, the general made a bed-and-breakfast out of the Governor's Mansion.
• President Andrew Jackson was born in Raleigh.

Durham Facts:

• Durham is called the "City of Medicine, USA," since it hosts more than 300 medical and healthcare companies and medical practices. The city boasts five times more doctors per person than the national average.
• Before European settlers arrived in the area where Durham is now, two Native American tribes, the Eno and Occoneechi, lived and farmed there.
• Union General Sherman and Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston negotiated the largest surrender and the end of the Civil War at Bennett Place in Durham.
• Durham is nicknamed the "Bull City" because in the 1800s, John Green of the Blackwell Tobacco Company named his famous product "Bull Durham."

Sources:
(http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/)