Record #:

8565

Author(s):

Wadsworth, E.W.

Abstract:

Riddles Knob is supposedly haunted by Captain William Riddle, a Tory hanged in 1781 by Colonel Ben Cleveland at Tory Tree in Wilkesboro. During the American Revolution, North Carolinians were divided in their loyalties. In western North Carolina, neighbor fought against neighbor until the Tories were defeated and taken prisoner by the Patriots. Acting under a North Carolina law, Colonel Cleveland summoned a jury to try the accused men and all were quickly found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. Colonel Cleveland then took his volunteer militia through the New River valley hanging more Tory leaders including Captain William Riddle.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 50 Issue 5, Oct 1982, p8-10, il

Subject(s):

Ghosts--Wilkesboro

Record #:

8776

Author(s):

Wadsworth, E.W.

Abstract:

At one time, huge herds of buffalo crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains in order to winter along the east coast shoreline. Because these herds had a keen sense of direction, their trails were the same year after year. As a result, they were used as footpaths by the Cherokee Indians, and can still be followed today. Once in Boone, the buffalo trail is called the Wilderness Trail, and continues on into Kentucky. The last reported herd of buffalo to pass through North Carolina was in 1790.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 49 Issue 12, May 1982, p8-10, il, map

Subject(s):

Hiking, Trails

Record #:

9989

Author(s):

Wadsworth, E.W.

Abstract:

With the coming of the Kohoutek comet and the slight seismic rumblings that often follow comet sightings, North Carolinians were reminded of the famed comet that preceded the New Madrid, Missouri, Earthquake in 1811 which caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a time. Also brought to mind was the famous Indian orator, Tecumseh, who prophesied with the coming of the same comet, the rallying of the Indian nations against the Americans.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 41 Issue 9, Feb 1974, p18-19, il, por

Subject(s):

Earthquakes--Madison County; Kohoutek Comet

Record #:

12344

Author(s):

Wadsworth, E.W.

Abstract:

The Wilkinson Cabin, thought to have been built by a man named Reese in 1760, is the oldest home in Watauga County. Today, is it located on Highway 421, which was formerly part of the Daniel Boone Trail. Through the years buffaloes, Native Americans, settlers, soldiers, pioneers heading west, and Daniel Boone passed by this historic structure.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 42 Issue 5, Oct 1974, p26-28, il

Subject(s):

Boone, Daniel, 1734-1820; Historic buildings--Watauga County; Watauga County--History