The Piedmont area of the 1920s produced a group of musicians, including Charlie Poole and Walter \"Kid\" Smith, who took country music to national prominence with their ballads and playing style.
Nash County native Kaye Gibbons has overcome the tragic death of her parents when she was ten, being passed around to various relatives, and manic depression to emerge as one of the nation's outstanding authors.
The NORTH CAROLINA REGISTER OF BIG TREES lists the tallest trees in each of the 240 species in the state. Located in Robbinsville, in Graham County, the tallest tree overall is a Pignut Hickory at 190 feet.
Tyrrell County is the state's smallest in size and population, with forestry, agriculture, and fishing supporting a meager economy. County planners seek to improve this situation by developing eco-tourist attractions and attracting sportsmen.
One of the largest groups of art glass studios in the Eastern United States is found in Yancey and Mitchell Counties and the Asheville area. Creations of these studios' artisans are sought by dealers and collectors worldwide.
The Raft Swamp Post Office, the only free-standing Confederate post office in the South, is 150 years old in October, 1996. The 15-by-18-feet structure stands on the Humphrey-Williams-Smith Plantation in Robeson County.
Highlands is the state's highest town at 3,838 feet. In addition, the Macon County town is famous for its waterfalls, which are attractive to tourists, retirees, and second home owners. Highlands also offers many cultural and outdoor activities.
Omar ibn Said, an Arabian prince, was captured by enemies and sold into slavery. Escaping from his cruel master, he became part of the household of future governor John Owen of Bladen County.
Situated on Balls Creek near Catawba, Murray's Mill is one of the largest and best preserved of the state's remaining water-powered gristmills. Built in 1912-13, the mill is now owned by the Catawba County Historical Association.
Galloway cows are very distinctive - solid black with a white band around their middles. With 64 registered breeders, the state ranks number one in the country. Galloways are popular because of their high beef quality.
To visit Merchants Millpond State Park is to step back in time. Trees there are among the oldest on the East Coast (between 700 and 1,000 years), wildlife abounds, over 200 species of birds pass through, and rare and endangered plants thrive.
Founded by Mary Martin Sloop in 1913 in Avery County, Crossnore School today follows the purpose of its founding - to give aid, comfort, and improvement to the lives of poor or troubled children.
A 31-foot-tall dogwood tree, discovered in Sampson County by A. J. Bullard of Mount Olive, has been declared the nation's tallest by the National Register of Big Trees. The dogwood has a circumference of 144 inches and crown spread of 48 feet.
Love Valley, located in Iredell County, is the result of one man's dream to build an Old West town. Started in 1954 by Andy Barker, the town features Western-style structures, rodeos, and many riding trails.
Between Reconstruction and World War I, theaters were the most popular entertainment, with 159 in 82 cities statewide. S.A. Schloss, who brought all types of theatrical forms to the state, was the best-known owner of this period.