Reidsville is a city located in Rockingham County within the U.S. state of North Carolina. It sits in the east-central part of the county and is included in the Greensboro–High Point Metropolitan Statistical Area of the Piedmont Triad region. The city covers a total area of 14.9 square miles, with land comprising 13.4 square miles and water making up the remaining 1.5 square miles. This geographic setting places it firmly within the rural development corridor supplying surrounding larger cities.

The community originated in the early 19th century as an outpost on a stage line between Salisbury and Danville, initially known as Wright's Crossroads. Reuben Reid established a farm there in 1814, and the post office adopted the name Reidsville in 1829. The town was officially incorporated by the North Carolina State Legislature in 1873. Its economic history is tightly woven with the American Tobacco Company, which remained a mainstay until its sale and closure in 1994.

The downtown area features revitalization efforts led by the Reidsville Downtown Corporation, established in 1976 to counter business decline. The city contains several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Richardson Houses Historic District and the Gov. David S. Reid House. The Southern Railroad passes through the center, though the town has lacked a functional train station since 1988. Many textile mills once operated here before consolidating or closing.

Visitor appeal is rooted in the city's historic architecture and its role as a sleeper city for rural development. The Reidsville Chamber of Commerce, established in 1923, remains located downtown to support local business initiatives. The community has seen a renewal of growth despite recent economic recession, offering a glimpse into the region's agricultural past. The area retains a distinct character through its preserved historic districts and ongoing streetscape programs.

As of the 2020 census, Reidsville had a total population of 14,583 residents. The economy has diversified since the departure of major tobacco manufacturing, with the Chamber of Commerce aiding in this transition. The climate is humid subtropical, with recorded temperatures ranging from a high of 108 °F in 1954 to a low of −9 °F in 1985. This profile defines Reidsville as a historic, mid-sized North Carolina community.