RENT TEXTBOOKS

by: Whatley, L. Mckay

ISBN: 9780738586731 | 0738586730

The geographic heart of North Carolina, Randolph County has been at the crossroads of history since the 17th century, when explorers first arrived along the Great Indian Trading Path. Every variety of religion, creed, and color could be found in the county from its creation in 1779, with combinations that often proved volatile. From the Uwharrie Mountains in the west to the Deep River Valley on the east, Randolph County has been home to powerful opposing forces. It is a county where potters are more common than doctors. It is home to five of North Carolina's first textile mills, yet it remains one of the state's leading agricultural producers. Its residents refused to secede from the Union but sent six companies into Confederate service. Although settled by pacifist Quakers, bitter guerrilla warfare pitted neighbor against neighbor in both the American Revolution and the Civil War. A dry county that permits no sales of alcoholic beverages, it fostered the racing spirit of NASCA R by running moonshine along its back roads. It is a county with a history, politics, and people of vision, depth, and complexity.

L. McKay Whatley is a Randolph County native and lifelong resident. Born in Asheboro in 1955, he graduated from Asheboro High School and Harvard University. Whatley is the author of The Architectural History of Randolph County, published in 1985. He is a lawyer in private practice and has been mayor of the town of Franklinville for 20 years. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.