Located near Gatesville, in North Carolina's coastal plain, it covers 3,520 acres (14.2 km2)[2] around a 200-year-old, 700-acre (280 ha) millpond and Lassiter Swamp.

In the early 18th century, Hunters Millpond was built at the head of Bennetts Creek to provide a means of processing and marketing regional produce.

Gristmills, a sawmill, a farm supply store and other enterprises made the area the center of trade in Gates County.

Shortly before World War II operations around the millpond came to a halt and millers sold the land to developers.

Coleman from Moyock, North Carolina purchased the property and later donated 919 acres (3.72 km2), including the millpond, to the state.