Once known as the town of Lucknow, but later changed to Dunn, the town first settled beside the railroad and lots were auctioned off from the railroad platform. When the auctioneer finished, he pointed to the stakes around him and declared to the crowd, “And this lot shall be reserved for the sale of COTTON, for in the sale of cotton our future success depends”.

At one time Dunn achieved the distinction of being the world’s largest wagon cotton market.

We honor our city’s rich agricultural history by hosting the Annual Cotton Festival on the first Saturday of every November. Along with providing educational cotton gin tours, the festival showcases some of the best artisans, food, and music in North Carolina!