Wilkes County Bits And Pieces

Wilkes County Bits and Pieces

Wilkes County, North Carolina was formed in 1778. It possesses a rich history, as it has been home to Native Americans, intrepid explorers like Christopher Gist and Daniel Boone, wartime heroes like Benjamin Cleveland and General James B. Gordon, and well-known scoundrels like Tom Dooley and Otto Wood. Over the years, Wilkes produced timber, moonshine, tobacco, NASCAR, Lowe's Home Improvement, and Americana music. This comprehensive history of the county explores the development of one of the most beautiful and interesting areas of the United States. Drawn from the local history collection of Wilkes Community College, local newspapers, and personal accounts, this book will entertain visitors and long-time residents alike. For more information, contact Dr. Fay Byrd at Wilkes Community College at (336) 838-6114.This is the black and white edition.

Wilkes County Bits and Pieces

Kirk's Civil War Raids Along the Blue Ridge

In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, no character was more loved or despised than George W. Kirk. This inured Union officer led a group of deserters on numerous raids between Tennessee and North Carolina in 1863, terrorizing Confederate soldiers and civilians alike. At Camp Vance in Morganton, Kirk's mounted raiders showcased guerrilla warfare penetrating deep within Confederate territory. As Home Guards struggled to keep Western North Carolina communities safe, Kirk's men brought fear and violence throughout the region for their ability to strike and create havoc without warning. Civil War historian Michael C. Hardy examines the infamous history of George W. Kirk and the Civil War along the Blue Ridge.