Touring the Carolina's Civil War Sites (Touring the Backroads)

Touring the Carolina's Civil War Sites (Touring the Backroads) Review

History buffs and tourists have been following the signs to famous Civil War sites in the Carolinas for years, among them Fort Fisher in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Fort Sumter off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. However, many of the sites from the states' rich Civil War heritage are off the beaten path.

Touring the Carolina's Civil War Sites helps travelers find the states' battlefields, forts, and memorials, as well as the lesser skirmish sites, homes, and towns that also played significant roles in the war. The book's 19 tours cover the entire Carolinas, combining riveting history with clear, concise directions and maps. As facinating to read as it is fun to take on the road, this second edition includes additional historic houses in Charleston, a new battlefield in New Bern, updated driving directions, new photos for each site, and more.

A Walking Tour of Asheville, North Carolina (Look Up, America!)

A Walking Tour of Asheville, North Carolina (Look Up, America!) Review

There is no better way to see America than on foot. And there is no better way to appreciate what you are looking at than with a walking tour. Whether you are preparing for a road trip or just out to look at your own town in a new way.

Each walking tour describes historical and architectural landmarks and provides pictures to help out when those pesky street addresses are missing. Every tour also includes a quick primer on identifying architectural styles seen on American streets.

The history of Asheville, as a town, begins in 1784. In that year Colonel Samuel Davidson and his family settled in the Swannanoa Valley, redeeming a soldier’s land grant from the state of North Carolina. Soon after building a log cabin at the bank of Christian Creek, Davidson was lured into the woods by a band of Cherokee hunters and killed.

In response to the killing, Davidson’s twin brother Major William Davidson and brother-in-law Colonel Daniel Smith formed an expedition to retrieve Samuel Davidson’s body and avenge his murder. Months after the expedition, Major Davidson and other members of his extended family returned to the area and settled at the mouth of Bee Tree Creek.

The United States Census of 1790 counted 1,000 residents of the area, excluding the Cherokee. The county of Buncombe was officially formed in 1792. The county seat, named “Morristown” in 1793, was established on a plateau where two old Indian trails crossed. In 1797 Morristown was incorporated and renamed “Asheville” after North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe.

Nestled between the scenic Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains in Western North Carolina, Asheville provides visitors with abundant natural beauty as well as historic and cultural diversity. Since the late 19th century, famous architects, landscape designers, and entrepreneurs have recognized Asheville as an area of great promise.

In the early part of the 20th century, Asheville’s pristine environment and clean mountain air became known for its ìhealingî qualities. Tuberculosis hospitals and other places of healing brought many famous Americans to our city including Edwin Wiley Grove and George Willis Pack. Often times they fell in love with the mountains and the city and decided to stay. Much of their early influence can still be seen in the buildings and green spaces around our community including the Grove Park Inn and Pack Square.

Today downtown Asheville, which is known for its early 20th-century architectural treasures is one of the nation’s better small cities for strolling around and gazing at buildings. We will start our walking tour in Pack Square, the public square has been a central feature of Asheville since the town’s creation in 1797...

North Carolina in the Civil War

North Carolina in the Civil War Review

"First at Bethel, farthest at Gettysburg and Chickamauga and last at Appomattox" is a phrase that is often used to encapsulate the role of North Carolina's Confederate soldiers. But the state's involvement stretched far beyond these few battles. The state was one of the last to leave the Union but contributed more men and sustained more losses than any other Southern state. Tar Heels witnessed the pitched battles of New Bern, Averasboro and Bentonville, as well as incursions like Sherman's March and Stoneman's Raid. Join Civil War scholar Michael C. Hardy as he delves into the story of North Carolinians the Civil War, from civilians to soldiers, as these valorous Tar Heels proved they were a force to be reckoned with.

The Carolinas Gardener's Guide

The Carolinas Gardener's Guide Review

Co-authored by Jim Wilson and Toby Bost, leading gardening experts from North Carolina and South Carolina, this proven format has helped gardeners experience more success and enjoyment from their gardens.

As gardening continues to grow in popularity, gardeners want more resources to help them succeed. The Gardener's Guide series provides credible information on the plants that perform best in specific states. Gardeners will find information they can trust and use successfully in their own gardens.

Our North Carolina

Our North Carolina Review

What is it about North Carolina that makes our state so special? See for yourself in "Our North Carolina," a stunning pictorial tour through every beautiful corner of our popular state—a tour that captures our unique character and landscape. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the sandy Atlantic beaches and the Outer Banks; from Civil War battle sites and vivid hues of autumn foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway to cities, farmland, and much more, renowned local photographer Kevin Adams showcases the people and places that make North Carolina such a splendid state in which to live and visit. About the Author/Photographer: Kevin Adams is the photographer of "North Carolina Waterfalls," "Wildflowers of the Southern Appalachians," "Waterfalls of Virginia and West Virginia," "Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park," and "North Carolina’s Best Wildflower Hikes." A member of the North American Nature Photography Association, Adams has received many awards, including one from the North Carolina Zoological Park, 1998; the North Carolina Year of the Coast Award, 1995; and the North Carolina Year of the Mountains Award, 1996.

Western North Carolina: A History from 1730 to 1913

Western North Carolina: A History from 1730 to 1913 Review

From the introduction to the appendix, this volume is filled with interesting information. Covering seventeen counties—Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey—the author spent about ten years searching and gathering materials.

Sketches of Western North Carolina, Historical and Biographical

Sketches of Western North Carolina, Historical and Biographical Review

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.