A Guide to Capitalists and Emigrants:
Being a Statistical and Descriptive Account of the Several Counties
of the State of North Carolina, United States of America; Together
with Letters of Prominent Citizens of the State in Relation to the Soil,
Climate, Productions, Minerals, &C., and an Account of the Swamp Lands of the State:
Electronic Edition.
North Carolina Land Co.
Funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services
supported the electronic publication of this title.
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Apex Data Services, Inc.
Images scanned by
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Text encoded by
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First edition, 2002
ca. 330 K
Academic Affairs Library, UNC-CH
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
2002.
© This work is the property of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It may be used freely by individuals for research, teaching and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text.
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(title page) A Guide to Capitalists and Emigrants: Being a Statistical and Descriptive Account of the Several Counties of the State of North Carolina, United States of America; Together with Letters of Prominent Citizens of the State in Relation to the Soil, Climate, Productions, Minerals, &C., and an Account of the Swamp Lands of the State
(cover) North Carolina: A Guide to Capitalists and Emigrants
North Carolina Land Co.
136 p., fold. map
RALEIGH, N. C.:
NICHOLS & GORMAN, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS.
1869.
Call number VC 917 N87g c. 2 (North Carolina Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
The electronic edition is a part of the UNC-CH
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Library of Congress Subject Headings
Languages Used:
- English
- Latin
LC Subject Headings:
- North Carolina -- Description and travel.
- Agriculture -- North Carolina.
- Capital investments -- North Carolina.
- Natural resources -- North Carolina.
- North Carolina -- Statistics.
- Swamps -- North Carolina.
- Industrial promotion -- North Carolina.
- Migration, Internal -- North Carolina.
- North Carolina Land Co.
Revision History:
- 2002-12-13,
Celine Noel and Wanda Gunther
revised TEIHeader and created catalog record for the electronic edition.
-
2002-03-22,
Natalia Smith, project manager,
finished TEI-conformant encoding and final proofing.
-
2001-11-08,
Melissa Meeks
finished TEI/SGML encoding
- 2001-10-21,
Apex Data Services, Inc.
finished transcribing the text.
[Cover Image]
[Map of North Carolina]
[Title Page Image]
PRICE, ONE DOLLAR.
A Guide to Capitalists and Emigrants:
BEING
A STATISTICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE
ACCOUNT OF THE SEVERAL COUNTIES OF THE
State of North Carolina,
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA;
TOGETHER WITH
LETTERS OF PROMINENT CITIZENS OF THE STATE
IN RELATION TO THE SOIL, CLIMATE, PRODUCTIONS, MINERALS,
&C., AND AN ACCOUNT OF THE
SWAMP LANDS OF THE STATE.
PUBLISHED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA LAND CO.
Copyright Secured.
RALEIGH, N. C.:
NICHOLS & GORMAN, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS.
1869.
[Title Page Verso Image]
NORTH CAROLINA
LAND COMPANY,
ESTABLISHED FOR THE
TRANSPORTATION AND LOCATION
OF
Northern and European Settlers
IN THE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
FOR THE
SALE OF REAL ESTATE,
Agricultural Implements, Machinery, &c., &c.
--ALSO--
Negotiate Loans on Mortgages and other Securities.
Chartered by Act of General Assembly, 1869.
- Geo. Little, President.
- R. W. Best, Secretary.
OFFICERS:
- Hon. R. W. Best, late Sec. of State.
- Col. Geo. Little, late U. S. Marshal.
- Eco. W. Swepson, Ral. Nat. Bank,
- R. Kingsland, late of N. Y. City.
AT RALEIGH
- A. J. Bleecker Esq.
AGENTS AT NEW YORK and BOSTON. - A. J. Bleecker, Sons &Co.,
77, Cedar Street.
New York City.
AT NEW YORK.
- A. J. Bleecker Esq.
DIRECTORS:
Principal Office--RALEIGH. N. C.
Page 3
TO THE READER.
This publication has been gotten up at considerable expense and labor, at the instance and under the supervision of the North Carolina Land Company, which is composed of a number of intelligent, enterprising and respectable gentlemen of the States of New York and North Carolina.
This Company has been established in this city for the purpose of aiding in the transportation and location of Northern and European settlers coming to North Carolina, and for the sale of lands of all descriptions, suited to the wants of the agriculturist, the vine and fruit grower, the truck farmer, the miner and manufacturer, as well as the sale of improved and unimproved lots in the towns and cities of the State, and to render all possible assistance to persons who desire to invest their funds in this State, judiciously.
In order to furnish to persons desirous of coming to the State, the most reliable, general and statistical information, as a guide to investment and location, the Land Company has procured the services of gentlemen in no way interested personally in their enterprise, who, from long acquaintance and actual observation, were well qualified to give a brief but correct description of every county. Besides this, they have procured a mass of valuable information in the form of letters, from leading gentlemen who have held high public positions in the State, and whose thorough acquaintance with the subjects upon which they write, as well as their entire reliability, remove all doubt as to the truthfulness and correctness of their statements. The whole, therefore, embodies an amount of information precisely suited to the wishes of all classes of persons who desire to seek a home, in one of the most highly favored portions of the earth, in climate, soil, natural advantages, capacity for improvement, population, &c., which cannot be obtained from any other publication.
Intelligent gentlemen who have made themselves acquainted by personal observation, with the population, climate, soil, productions and capacity for improvement of every portion of the United States, do not hesitate to declare, since the close of the rebellion, that the Southern States offer vastly superior inducements both for investment and location, to those of the Northwestern States and Territories, whither the tide of emigration has been so strongly tending in late years. Unprejudiced travellers who have visited North Carolina, after a short stay in the State, invariably express a preference for the Old North State, to that of any other. Thousands of her children, who in the spirit of money-making left the State years ago to try their fortunes in the West, South or North, are returning to their native soil, and thousands more are meditating a return when their circumstances will allow it.
Page 4
The world does not possess any where a more quiet, peaceable, honest and frugal population, than the people of this State. Notwithstanding the devastation, ruin and demoralization of the late civil war, our people are rapidly returning to their old customs and labors. A more law-abiding people cannot be found. Foreigners and strangers who come among us to engage in the industrial and business professions of life and to pursue the arts of peace, are everywhere hailed with joy, and the aim and desire of our people generally, is to promote peace and quietude, enterprise and prosperity among all classes, and to encourage and support wise laws and a good government, which give the greatest security and protection to life, labor and property.
The State covers an area of 34,000,000 of acres, stretching nearly 500 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Tennessee line, and from 150 to 100 miles from the Virginia to the South Carolina and Georgia lines. Within this area there is almost every variety of soil and climate. Physically, the State is divided into three departments, differing in soil, climate and production. The Eastern division stretches along the Atlantic coast and nearly extends westwardly to a line drawn North and South through the Capital of the State. This section abounds in navigable sounds, rivers and creeks, in which fish are abundant. The shad and herring fisheries are sources of great profit. The soil is either rich loam, or sandy land, or extensive swamp rich lands. The sandy lands abound in pine forests, from which turpentine and tar are made; are easily cultivated and improved; are not naturally very productive; but when improved give a profitable return in cotton, corn, potatoes (sweet), peas, pea-nuts, grapes and vegetables of all kinds. The rich lands, whether up-land or swamp, are very productive. Some of these lands produce a bale of picked cotton to the acre, or 75 to 100 bushels of Indian corn. This whole eastern section, is flat and damp, but will produce cotton and corn in great abundance, and is finely adapted to truck farming. The pine and cypress timber of this whole section is immensely valuable. The North-eastern counties are valuable for fisheries, fine cypress timber, and are equal to any for Indian corn, wheat, vineyards, &c. The middle and southern counties of this region, embrace the best cotton portions of the State, and are valuable for fisheries, timber, corn, truck farming, pea-nuts, vineyards, &c., being contiguous to market by Rail Road and water communication. Like all low countries, it is subject to malarious diseases, such as bilious fever and ague and fever. Good drainage and proper care, however, make it a healthy and desirable region. It is perhaps superior to any section of the United States, in affording a good living for the smallest amount of labor. This region will become famous as a grape growing and wine making country.
The middle or second department is undulating and hilly, growing more so as you approach the mountains. The eastern and southern counties of this department, abound in lands from ordinary to good, and are productive of cotton, corn, wheat, potatoes, fruits of all kinds, &c. They are generally very healthy, with good pure water, and intersected with Rail Roads. Mines of coal, iron, gold and copper are numerous, and water-power is
Page 5
abundant for manufacturing. The northern and western counties of this department produce tobacco, corn, wheat and the grasses, finely.
The Western department embraces the mountain region, which is capable of being made one of the finest grazing countries in the world. Horses, cattle, sheep and swine are raised in large numbers. As a wool growing region, it is very superior. Here, also, mines of gold, copper and iron abound and the water power is unsurpassed. It is a bleak but exceedingly healthy region, and Indian corn, wheat, rye, barley and fruits grow well. But for further and more specific information, we refer the reader to the description given of each County in the body of the work, and to the letters before alluded to.
Besides the general character of our population, the salubrity of our climate, the variety, productiveness and improvability of our soil, our mining and manufacturing advantages and our Rail Roads, all well calculated to interest and invite the traveller, we can point to the educational advantages of the State with great pride. Besides the University of the State, there are five or six Male Colleges of high grade, together with a number of first class high schools and academies in full operation. In female education this State is not behind any in the liberality of its provisions. There are about twenty Female Colleges and High Schools in the State. Formerly the State provided quite liberally for Common or Public School instruction for all the white children of the State. Under the new order of things, a still more liberal provision will be made for all the children of the State, without regard to color or condition. White and black will be, however, educated in separate schools.
With this brief outline of the general characteristics of the State, we shall not longer detain the reader from the body of the work.
THE EDITOR.
Raleigh, N. C., April 15, 1869.
Page 7
STATISTICAL
AND
DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT OF COUNTIES, &C.
ALAMANCE.
This county was taken from the western part of Orange county, in 1848. It lies in the middle tier of counties and is bounded N. by Caswell county, E. by Orange, S. by Chatham and W. by Guilford.
Area, 500 square miles.
Population 11,000.
Farms, 923; acres improved, 98,250; acres unimproved, 115,000.
Natural growth of trees: maple, white, red and chestnut oak, hickory and walnut.
Annual products: corn, about 500,000 bushels; wheat, 82,000 bushels; oats, 11,000 bushels; hay, 3,785 tons; cotton, 150 bales; tobacco, 15,000 pounds; butter, 100,000 pounds; fruits and vegetables, abundant.
Stock: horses and mules, 3,335; cattle, 8,000; sheep, 8,500; hogs, 22,500.
Schools: Col. Bingham's, at Mebanesville; Rev. Mr. Long's, and Rev. A. Currie's, at Graham; male and female academy at Company Shops, and others.
Churches, 33.
Lawyers, 3; doctors, 12; mills, 15; cotton factories, 5; post offices, 14.
This county is watered by Saxapahaw river and Alamance, Mary's Bark and other creeks. The surface is undulating; soil, highly productive; farms good, and low grounds rich.
The North Carolina Central Rail Road connecting the Eastern and Western portions of the State, runs through this county.
Company Shops, where the North Carolina Rail Road has its offices and engine and car works, is a pretty place, and gives promise of great future prosperity.
Page 8
GRAHAM, the county seat, named after Gov. Graham, is about 58 miles west of Raleigh.
ALEXANDER.
This county was formed from Iredell, Wilkes and Caldwell counties in 1846. It is in the mountain region.
Area, 300 square miles.
Population, 6,250. It is drained by the Yadkin, Mitchell and Little Rivers and several creeks.
Farms, 653; acres improved, 30,000; acres unimproved, 105,000.
Annual products: corn, 165,000 bushels; wheat, 10,000 bushels; rye and oats, 40,000 bushels; Irish and sweet potatoes, 30,000 bushels; peas and beans, 3,000 bushels; butter, 32,000 pounds; flax, 12,000 pounds; cotton, 15,000 pounds; wool, 15,000 pounds; honey and beeswax, 12,000 pounds.
Native forests: oak, walnut, beach, maple, poplar and chestnut.
Stock: horses and mules, 1,380; cattle, 3,599; sheep, 5,112; hogs, 10,056.
Churches, 20. Schools: Cheoway Academy; York Institute; Elk Shoal Academy; United Baptist Institute and many others. Cotton factory, 1; mills, 14. Tanneries, several.
This county is surrounded by mountains, and abounds in mineral springs, chiefly chalybeate and sulphur. Climate, healthy. Land productive.
TAYLORSVILLE, the county seat, is 150 miles west from Raleigh.
ALLEGHANY.
This county, lately formed from the eastern part of Ashe, lies between the Blue Ridge and the Virginia line.
Area, about 290 square miles.
Churches, 16; ministers, 13; Lawyer, 1; College, Alleghany, at Gap Civil; Schools, at various points; post offices, 4; mills, 6; mines, in numerous places.
Farms, 390.
Annual products: corn, 100,000 bushels; wheat, 3,000 bushels; rye and oats, 75,000 bushels; buckwheat, 3,000 bushels; pease, 12,000 bushels; Irish and sweet potatoes, 1,500 bushels; butter and cheese, 6,500 pounds; flax seed, 500 bushels; flax, 12,500 pounds; maple sugar, 5,000 pounds; tobacco, 2,500 pounds; wool, 14,000 pounds; honey and beeswax, 12,000 pounds; hay, 4,000 tons; fruits, in value, $500.
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Trees, natural growth: white, Spanish and chestnut oaks, and black and white pine.
Mountains: Fisher's Gap, Elk Spur, Lame Spring, Peach Bottom and Saddle.
Rivers; New and Little.
Creeks: Crab, Glade, Prather's, Elk, Chestnut, Brush, Big Pine and others.
Climate, cool and healthy. Soil, good. Fine grazing country.
SPARTA, the county seat, is about 200 miles from Raleigh.
ANSON.
This county, named from Admiral Anson of the British Navy, was formed in 1740, and extended at that time to the western limits of the State.
Area, 650 square miles.
Population, 13,000.
Farms, 675; acres improved, 93,965; acres unimproved, 213,167.
Annual products; corn, 500,000 bushels; wheat, 40,000 bushels; oats, 110,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 35,000 bushels; cotton, 4,000,000 pounds; wool, 12,000 pounds.
Stock: horses and mules, 3,012; cattle, 11,452; sheep, 8,171; hogs, 23,000.
Natural forest: oak, pine, walnut and hickory.
Rivers: Rocky and Yadkin. Creeks: Brown's, Lane's, Guild's and Jones. Mills, 20; tanneries, 2; distilleries, 20; spirits manufactured, 1,500 gallons. Gold mine, Bailey's.
Churches, 23; College, Carolina Female. Academies; Blanch's, Gum Spring, Lilesville, and Rocky Hill. Schools abundant.
Soil fertile, surface unbroken. Cotton grows finely and is the chief market crop. People intelligent and many substantial planters.
The Wilmington, Charlotte and Rutherfordton Rail Road passes through the county.
WADESBORO', the county seat, is about 120 miles south-west from Raleigh.
ASHE.
This county, named in honor of Gov. Ashe, was formed in 1799. Population, 7,000.
Farms, 750; acres improved, 50,000; acres unimproved, 145,000.
Annual products: corn, 110,000 bushels; wheat, 3,500 do;
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oats, 100,000 do; pease, 1,500 do; buckwheat, 5,000 do; Irish potatoes, 2,500 do; butter, 95,000 pounds; maple sugar, 10,815 do; tobacco, 5,000 do; wool, 10,500 do; honey and beeswax, 18,000 do; flax, 15,500 do; hay 5,000 tons.
Stock: horses and mules, 1,500; cattle, 6,500; sheep, 4,500; hogs, 14,000.
Forest: oak, hickory, maple, ash and walnut.
Surface, mountainous. Soil, on hill sides and valleys, very productive. Climate, healthy. This county is at present without railroad facilities; therefore land is cheap. A fine grazing region.
Jefferson the county seat, is about 200 miles northwest of Raleigh.
BEAUFORT.
This county, named for the Duke of Beaufort, lies in the Eastern part of the State. It was organized in 1741.
Area, 600 square miles.
Population, 12,500.
Soil, very fertile.
Farms, 594; acres improved, 30,760; acres unimproved, 180,981.
Annual products: corn, 160,000 bushels; wheat, 7,000 bushels; oats, 6,000 bushels; Irish and sweet potatoes, 160,000 bushels; pease, 20,000 bushels; cotton, 1,000,000 pounds; tar, pitch and turpentine, 110,000 barrels; fish, 5,000 barrels; lumber, very large quantities.
Stock: horses and mules, 1,150; cattle, 13,500; sheep, 8,250; hogs, 18,279.
Trees, natural: cypress, juniper, long-leaf pine, oak, hickory and gum.
There are in this county large tracts of swamp or poccosin lands, which, when cleared and cultivated, will produce from 50 to 100 bushels of corn, or from 400 to 500 pounds of lint cotton per acre. They may be had very cheap and offer great inducements to actual settlers.
WASHINGTON, the county seat, lies at the head of the Pamplico river, and is 120 miles east by south from Raleigh. Population, about 2,000. It carries on a large export trade with New York and the West Indies. Other towns are Aurora and Bath.
BERTIE.
This county, which lies on the Albemarle Sound and between the Chowan and Roanoke rivers, was organized in 1733.
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Area, 800 square miles.
Population, 13,000.
Doctors, 6; lawyers, 5; churches, 17; post offices, 6; mills, many; distilleries, (turpentine,) several.
Farms, 524; acres improved, 92,600; acres unimproved, 203,803.
Annual products: corn, 560,000 bushels; wheat, 3,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 100,000 bushels; pease, 90,000 bushels; cotton, 2,200,000 pounds; wool 12,000 pounds; fish, 25,000 barrels; hay, 35,000 tons.
Stock: horses and mules, 2,297; cattle, 10,880; sheep, 6,654; hogs, 33,081.
Native growth: long-leaf pine, juniper, cypress, oak and hickory. Pine and cypress timber valuable.
Rivers: Roanoke, Chowan, Cashie and Cashoke.
This county abounds in rich lands, of which the best are still covered with dense forest, offering great inducements to lumbermen. Fruits and vegetables grow here a month earlier than in New Jersey, and may be transported directly by water from the farm to New York.
The fisheries of this county are sources of great profit.
Cotton grows finely in Bertie.
WINDSOR, the county seat, situated on the Cashie river, is 157 miles east from Raleigh.
BLADEN.
This county, which lies in the South-eastern part of the State, was formed in 1734.
Area, 800 square miles.
Population, 10,000.
Doctors, 9; lawyers, 4; churches, 25; schools, number not known; mills, saw, 6; distilleries, turpentine, 6; manufactories, turpentine and tar, 40.
Farms, 486; acres, improved, 47,608; acres, unimproved, 400,000.
Annual products: corn, 200,000 bushels; wheat, 15,000 bushels; oats, 5,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 100,000 bushels; cotton, 60,000 pounds; wool, 7,500 pounds; rice, 75,000 pounds; pease, large quantities; turpentine, 15,000 barrels; lumber, value, $50,000.
This is a very fertile county, capable of great development; and when its rich swamp lands are drained and cultivated, will produce ten fold more than it does at present Lands cheap. The Wilmington, Charlotte and Ruth. Rail Road runs through it, and furnishes, in connection with its rivers and creeks, easy transportation to a good market at Wilmington.
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ELIZABETH TOWN, the county seat is situated on Cape Fear river, and is 60 miles from Wilmington, and about 90 miles Southeast from Raleigh.
BRUNSWICK.
This county, which lies in the extreme Southeastern part of the State, was organized in 1764. Surface, level. Soil, sandy.
Area, 950 square miles.
Population, 8,000.
Lawyers, 4; churches, 23; post offices, 4; Academies, Wayman and Smithville; Schools convenient; manufactories, tar and turpentine, 50.
Farms, 385; acres improved, 18,500; acres unimproved, 247,600.
Annual products: corn, 60,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 118,000 bushels; cotton, 10,000 pounds; wool, 3,000 pounds; rice, 3,000,000 pounds; lumber, value, $15,000; tar, pitch and turpentine, value $18,000; machines, rice, 6.
Stock: horses and mules, 1,000; cattle, 8,500; sheep, 3,500; hogs, 12,525.
Trees, natural: long-leaf pine, juniper, live oak and cypress.
Green and Cypress Swamps abound in timber, and when cleared, ditched and cultivated, will yield most abundant crops.
200,000 acres of the best lands are for sale, and offer splendid openings for capital, labor and skill.
SMITHVILLE, the county seat, situated on the Elizabeth river, near the mouth of the Cape Fear river, in sight of the ocean, is 173 miles South-west of Raleigh. It is a place of fashionable summer resort. In the vicinity are Forts Johnson and Caswell.
BUNCOMBE.
This county, named for Col. Buncombe of Washington county, was organized in 1791.
Area, 5,000 square miles.
Population, 13,000.
Ministers, 15; doctors, 14; lawyers, 19; churches, 20; mills, grist, 15; factories, &c., 6; newspapers, 2; post offices, 9.
Farms, 1,250; acres, improved, 75,350; acres unimproved, 506,200.
Annual products: corn, 50,000 bushels; wheat, 25,000 bushels; oats and rye, 150,000 bushels; butter, 125,000 pounds; wool, 150,000 pounds; tobacco, 10,000; ginseng, value, $18,000; apples, peaches, Irish potatoes, &c., large quantities.
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Stock: horses and mules, 3,708; cattle, 16,500; sheep, 14,000; hogs, 28,608.
Native forest: hickory, oak, maple, ash and walnut.
This county lies amid the ranges of the Blue Ridge, and is watered by the Swannanoa and French Broad Rivers, and by numerous creeks and mountain streams. It is one of the most salubrious portions of this continent. Mineral springs of great value abound. The soil, in the valleys and mountain sides, is very productive. Fruits and vegetables grow luxuriantly. Apples weighing from 14 to 15 ounces are common. Lands vary from one dollar to fifty dollars per acre.
ASHEVILLE, the county seat, is 250 miles from Raleigh. It is much visited by invalids from various parts of the State.
The proposed route of the Western North Carolina Rail Road, which will connect Beaufort Harbor on the Atlantic ocean, with Tennessee, runs near Asheville, and, when completed, will make it accessible to all portions of the land.
BURKE.
This county, named for Sir Edmund Burke, the great English orator, was founded in 1777.
Area, 400 square miles.
Population 10,000.
Doctors, 7; lawyers, 4; churches, 28; mills, 12; post offices, 4; schools, Morganton Academy, Rock Seminary, &c.
Farms, 375; acres improved, 30,000; acres unimproved, 110,000.
Annual products: corn, 600,000 bushels; wheat, 45,000 bushels; oats and rye, 36,000 bushels; cotton, 50,000 pounds; wool, 26,000 pounds; tobacco, 18,000 pounds.
Gold, in 1850, value, $50,000.
Stock: horses and mules, 1,550; cattle, 5,250; sheep, 3,528; hogs, 10,660.
Trees, natural: hickory, oak, walnut, &c.
This county lies on the Eastern side of the Blue Ridge, and is watered by the Catawba, Sumerville and John's Rivers, and numerous creeks. Surface, broken and hilly. Soil, rich and productive. Scenery, charming. Climate, most salubrious. The Western North Carolina Rail Road runs through this county.
MORGANTON, the county seat, is 1,100 feet above the level of the sea, and lies 197 miles west from Raleigh. It is a place of resort in summer, for pleasure seekers and invalids.
CABARRUS.
This county lies in the southwestern part of the State. It was formed out of Mecklenburg in 1802.
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Area, 350 square miles.
Population 10,450.
Ministers, 15; doctors, 12; Lawyers, 4; churches, 23; cotton factories, 2; grist mills, 15; tanneries, 6; North Carolina college at Mount Pleasant; Classical school at Concord, and others. Gold and copper mines, 7.
The Reed Gold Mine was discovered in 1799 and is said to have been the first discovered in the United States. Several of these mines have been very productive.
Farms, 845: acres improved, 64,500; unimproved, 125,700.
Annual products: corn, 500,000 bushels; wheat, 85,000 bushels; oats and rye, 56,000 bushels; sweat potatoes, 25,000 bushels; cotton, 1,000,000 pounds; wool, 16,000 pounds.
Stock: horses and mules, 3,500; cattle, 4,500; sheep, 5,000 hogs, 10,550.
Trees, natural: poplar, oak, walnut, hickory, &c.
Soil fertile. Population, intelligent and moral.
CONCORD, the county seat, contains about 1800 inhabitants, and is 139 miles from Raleigh.
CALDWELL.
This county, named after Pres. Caldwell of Chapel Hill, was organized in 1841. It lies in the mountains.
Area, 450 square miles.
Population 4,500.
Ministers, 19; Doctors, 4; churches, 20; schools: Davenport Female College at Lenoir; Lenoir Male Academy; Mount Bethel Academy and others.
Farms, 366; acres improved, 25,500; unimproved, 100,000.
Annual products: corn, 200,000 bushels; wheat, 5,000 bushels; oats and rye, 35,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 15,000 bushels; peas, 2,000 bushels; butter, 40,000 pounds.
Stock: horses and mules, 1,226; cattle, 4,500; sheep, 4,225; hogs, 11,225.
Forest: oak, hickory, walnut, maple, &c.
This county is watered by the Catawba, Yadkin and John's rivers and by Buffalo and King's creeks.
The county is mountainous. The farming lands are rich and productive. It contains a most excellent population.
Lenoir, the county seat, is 200 miles west of Raleigh. A favorite resort in summer.
CAMDEN.
This county, named after Earl Camden of England, was organized in 1777. It lies in the north-eastern part of the
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State. Surface, level. Soil, generally a sandy loam and very rich and fertile.
Area, 280 square miles.
Population, 1,500.
Ministers, 6; lawyers, 6; doctors, 3; churches, 8; post offices, 2; mills, 3; schools: Jonesboro and Savage Creek Academies; shingle mills, 6.
Farms, 579: acres improved, 38,400; unimproved, 36,950.
Annual products: corn, 360,000 bushels; wheat, 3,500 bushels; oats and rye, 10,000 bushels; peas, 10,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 39,000 bushels; cotton, 10,000 pounds; wool 5,000 pounds; flax, 36,000 pounds; honey and beeswax, 10,500 pounds; fish, 1,000 barrels; lumber, value, $15,000; brandy, value, $2,500.
This county is peculiarly adapted to the culture of early fruits and vegetables, which find a profitable market at Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, via Norfolk, Va., by the Dismal Swamp canal.
CAMDEN COURT HOUSE, the county seat, is 219 miles northeast from Raleigh.
CARTERET.
This county was one of the original English settlements. It lies on the Atlantic coast.
Area, . . . . . square miles.
Population 8,000.
Ministers, 6; doctors, 10; lawyers, 4; churches, 7; post offices, 3; manufactories, 2.
Farms, 394; acres improved, 30,769; unimproved, 180,981.
Annual products: corn, 52,500 bushels; wheat, 3,000 bushels; oats, 1,000 bushels; rye, 1,000 bushels; pease, 55,000 bushels, wool, 3,000 pounds; butter, 2,000 pounds; honey, 6,000 pounds; hay, 500 tons.
Stock: horses and mules, 1,120; cattle, 13,980; sheep, 8,169; hogs, 18,279.
Trees: long-leaf pine, oak, hickory, persimmon and cedar.
The Atlantic Rail Road runs through this county, connecting Morehead City with Goldsboro, the Eastern terminus of the North Carolina Rail Road.
There is a large quantity of swamp land in the county belonging to the State, which will soon be brought into market.
BEAUFORT, the county seat, distant 150 miles from Raleigh, has a very fine harbor, and is a fashionable summer resort.
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CASWELL.
This county, named after the first Governor of North Carolina, was formed from Orange county in 1777.
Area, 400 square miles.
Population, 16,500.
Surface, hilly. Soil, good and productive. Tobacco and wheat are the principal market crops.
Ministers, 12; doctors, 15; lawyers, 5; churches, 25; schools, Dan River Institute, Leasburg male and female, and Milton female academies, and others. Post offices, 8; mills, grist, 24; foundry, 1; cotton factory.
Farms, 735; acres improved, 123,000; unimproved, 115,890.
Annual products: corn, 360,000 bushels; wheat, 12,100 bushels; oats, 3,000 bushels; rye, 3,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 32,000; pease, 3,000 bushels; cotton, 100,000 pounds; wool, 8,500 pounds; butter, 75,000 pounds; tobacco, 3,550,000 pounds; flax, 8,000 pounds; honey and beeswax, 12,500 pounds; hay, 3,000 tons.
Stock: horses and mules, 2,500; cattle, 7,000; sheep, 7,500; hogs, 21,225.
Forests: oak, pine, hickory, gum and ash.
The Greenboro and Danville Va., Rail Road runs through the Northwest part of the county. Land from $2 to $10 per acre.
YANCEYVILLE, the county seat, is 66 miles Northwest from Raleigh.
CATAWBA.
This county, named from the Catawba river, was formed from Lincoln county, in 1842.
Area 250 square miles.
Population, 11,000.
Surface, hilly.
Soil, rich.
Ministers, 8; doctors 3; lawyers 3; churches, 30; post offices, 6; iron forges, 2; foundries, 4.
Farms, 939; acres improved, 64,500; unimproved, 154,225.
Annual products: corn, 350,000 bushels; wheat, 50,000 bushels; oats and rye, 65,000 bushels; Irish and sweet potatoes, 35,000 bushels; butter, 75,000 pounds; wool, 10,500 pounds; flax, 7,000 pounds; tobacco, 6,500 pounds; honey and beeswax, 11,250 pounds; hay, 3,000 tons.
Stock: horses and mules, 2,915; cattle, 6,115; sheep, 6,250; hogs, 20,000.
Trees, natural: maple, walnut, hickory, oak.
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The Western N. C. Rail Road runs through the length of this county. Iron ore abundant. Lands cheap.
NEWTON, the county seat, is 175 miles west from Raleigh.
CHATHAM.
This county was organized in 1770, named after Earl Chatham of England. Surface very broken, soil fertile.
Area, 700 square miles.
Population, 28,000.
Farms, 1,635; 139,500 acres improved; 300,000 acres unimproved.
Annual Productions about 650,000 bushels corn; 125,000 bushels wheat; 100,000 bushels oats; 500,000 pounds tobacco; 5,000 tons of hay; 1,000 bales of cotton; 10,000 pounds of iron; $5,000 worth of lumber; 90,000 bushels sweet and Irish potatoes; 150,000 pounds of butter and cheese; 15,500 bushels pease; 10,000 pounds flax; 10,000 pounds wool; 5,000 pounds honey and beeswax.
Churches, 50; ministers, 23; doctors, 15; lawyers, 7.
Factories, &c: Egypt mining company's foundery and machine shop at Lockville; iron manufacturing company at Egypt; grist mills, 25; post offices, 13.
Schools: Pittsboro' scientific academy; Pittsboro' female academy; Haywood high school; Mt. Vernon seminary.
The Chatham Coal Fields in this county are generally known. A Rail Road has been completed from Fayetteville to the Coal Fields, on Deep river. Another Rail Road is being pushed through from Carey, on the North Carolina Central Rail Road, eight miles from Raleigh to Columbia, S. C.; besides these, other Roads are projected, which must fully develope this mineral region.
These improvements will make Chatham one of the most prosperous counties in the State. 300,000 acres of good lands in this county will be brought into market. Lands are now cheap.
Forests: Oak, hickory, maple, walnut and pine.
Pittsboro' is the county seat.
CHEROKEE.
This county was organized in 1839 from Macon, derives its name from a tribe of Indians, some of whom still remain. It lies in the extreme south-western part of the State. The face of the county is mountainous and picturesque.
Area 700 square miles.
Population 6,000.
Forests: maple, oak, hickory, ash, walnut, &c.
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Farms 450; 25,000 acres improved; 75,000 unimproved.
Annual productions about, 205,000 bushels of corn; 3,000 bushels of wheat; 35,000 bushels of oats; 2,000 bushels of rye; 25,000 bushels of sweet potatoes; 50,000 pounds of butter and cheese.
Stock: 1,500 horses and mules; 6,500 cattle; 5,000 sheep; 12,000 hogs.
Gold and iron are found.
Churches 10; ministers 6; lawyers 2; doctors 4; grist mills 10; merchants 10; post offices 4.
This county is watered by the Hiawassee, Valley and Notley rivers and a number of mountain streams.
Its mines of flesh colored marble, gold, copper, iron and silver, are to be developed at a future day, when rail roads penetrate the mountains.
The soil is very rich in the valleys and along the streams. Land is very cheap and abundant. A fine grazing county.
MURPHY is the county seat, it lies near the junction of Hiawassee and Valley rivers, on the route of the Western Turnpike.
CHOWAN.
This county derived its charter from King Charles the II, and its name from an Indian tribe. It lies in the Northeastern part of the State and is watered by the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River.
Area 250 square miles.
Farms: 344; 40,000 acres improved; 52,000 unimproved.
Stock: horses and mules, 1,200; cattle, 4,500; sheep, 2,500; hogs, 15,000.
Annual products about 300,000 bushels of corn; 20,000 bushels wheat; 15,000 bushels oats; 150,000 pounds cotton; 20,000 barrels of fish; 95,000 bushels sweet potatoes; 35,000 bushels pease; 15,000 pounds butter and cheese; 1,670 tons of hay; 10,500 pounds rice.
Churches 20; lawyers 5; doctors 7; grist mills 4.
Academies: Edenton academy, Episcopal parochial school, and several others; postoffices, 3.
It was from this county the first bag of cotton was shipped in July 1768.
The Albemarle Sound Fisheries are large and very profitable. Some of the seines are drawn by mules and windlass, and are said to be two miles in length. The quantity of shad, herring, rock and other fish caught in these waters is immense.
This county possesses great water facilities. Sail vessels and steamboats navigate the Sound and rivers. A Rail Road
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is projected from Edenton to Suffolk, Va. The winters are mild, stock need but little wintering and can be raised in large quantities.
Timber: pitch pine, gum, oak, cypress, juniper and cedar.
The lands are fertile, and produce corn, wheat and cotton finely.
EDENTON, the county seat, settled in 1716, and has been the abode of wealth and refinement. Distance from Raleigh 150 miles.
CLAY.
This county was lately organized from the southern part of Cherokee.
Area, 250 square miles.
Population, 3,000.
Annual products: corn, 50,000 bushels; wheat, 1,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 10,000 bushels; Mines: gold, silver, copper and iron.
Natural growth of timber: oak, hickory, chesnut, &c.
Lands abundant and cheap. A fine grazing region.
FORT HEMBRIE, the county seat, is 360 miles west from Raleigh.
CLEAVELAND.
This county was organized out of Lincoln and Rutherford in 1840.
Area, 650 square miles.
Population, 12,500.
Doctors, 6; lawyers, 4; churches, 30; mills: grist, 10; saw, 4; paper, 1; Tanneries, 5; Iron forges, 3.
Farms, 961; acres improved, 62,000; unimproved, 186,500.
Annual products: corn, 450,000 bushels; wheat, 36,000 bushels; oats and rye, 65,000 bushels; pease, 5,000 bushels; butter and cheese, 100,000 pounds; cotton, 200,000 pounds; wool, 15,000 pounds; flax, 2,000 pounds; tobacco, 6,000 pounds; honey and beeswax, 10,000 pounds.
Stock: horses and mules, 3,500; cattle, 7,500; sheep, 8,000; hogs, 16,500.
Native growth: pine, chestnut, oak, hickory, &c.
SHELBY, the county seat, is 190 miles south by west from Raleigh.
The Wilmington, Charlotte and Rutherford Railroad runs through this county.
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COLUMBUS.
Was organized in 1808 and named after Columbus, the great discoverer.
Surface, level; soil sandy on the ridges, rich, near and on the water courses. It is drained by the Waccamaw, and Lumber rivers, White Gum and Beaver creeks.
Area, 600 square miles.
Population, 9,000.
Annual products: 2,000 bushels wheat; 200,000 bushels corn; 5,000 bushels oats and rye; 200,000 bushels sweet potatoes; 5,000 bushels peas; 16,000 pounds butter and cheese; 2,000 barrels turpentine; $20,000 worth of lumber; 50,000 pounds cotton; 8,000 pounds wool.
Farms, 400; 26,000 acres improved; 262,000 acres unimproved.
Stock: 750 horses and mules; 10,600 cattle; 14,500 sheep; hogs, 20,000.
Churches 20; lawyers, 4; doctors, 4.
Schools: Whitesville academy and other schools.
Timber: long-leaf pine, white oak, red oak, Spanish oak, water oak, juniper, cypress, &c.
This county is one whose prospective wealth is difficult to estimate. Its resources, extensive forests and rich soil with facilities for transportation by water and rail road are excelled by few counties in the State. The Manchester and Wilmington rail road runs through this county. Marl of the best kind for manure is found in nearly all parts of this county. 300,000 acres of splendid timber and farming lands are in the market, from one dollar to five dollars per acre. The far-famed Scuppernong grape grows here finely, and the native wines made are of the best kind. The business of making wine is profitable and increasing.
WHITEVILLE is the county town. It is near the Wilming- and Manchester rail road, about 50 miles from Wilmington and 150 miles from Raleigh.
CRAVEN.
This county was settled and organized in 1729.
Area, land and water, 1,000 square miles.
Population, 16,500.
Doctors, 20; lawyers, 10; churches, 25; post offices, 6. Mills: grist, 6; saw, 4; shingle, 4. Manufactories, tar and turpentine, 40. Schools, 12.
Farms, 400; acres improved, 63,450; unimproved, 300,000; cash value of farms, $1,375,500.
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Annual products: corn, 314,000 bushels; wheat, 4,540 bushels; rye, 3,500 bushels; oats, 3,000 bushels; pease, 30,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 9,550 bushels; sweet potatoes, 150,000 bushels; butter, 21,000 pounds; rice, 35,000 pounds; wool, 10,834 pounds; honey, 52,000 pounds; beeswax, 5,000 pounds; turpentine, 150,000 barrels; fish, 25,000 barrels; hay, 1,375 tons; fruits, value, $5,000; lumber, value, $50,000.
Stock: horses and mules, 1,400; cattle, 13,772; sheep, 6,037; hogs, 25,000.
Trees, natural: pitch pine, white and red oak, juniper and cypress.
Soil, on streams and lakes, rich and valuable. Marl of the best kind abundant. The soil and climate are admirably adapted to the culture of grapes of all kinds.
NEW BERNE, the county seat, derived its name from Berne, in Switzerland, whence Baron de Graffenreidt emigrated in 1709, being followed the second year by 1,500. It is situated at the junction of the Trent and Neuse rivers, is a port of entry and carries on considerable trade. It is 120 miles from Raleigh.
CUMBERLAND.
This county, named in honor of the Duke of Cumberland was organized in 1764. It lies in the Southern part of the State.
Area, 600 square miles.
Population, 15,500.
Ministers, 25; lawyers, 16; doctors, 19; churches, 32; schools: Academies, 6, and other schools. Mills, cotton, 3; grist, 10; distilleries, turpentine, 23; post offices, 8.
Farms, 1,000; acres improved, 63,500; unimproved, 300,000.
Annual products: corn, 313,413 bushels; wheat, 4,500 bushels; rye, 3,500 bushels; oats, 2,619 bushels; pease and beans, 29,549 bushels; Irish potatoes, 9,575 bushels; sweet potatoes, 150,000 bushels; butter, 25,000 pounds; rice, 32,000 pounds; wool, 10,957 pounds; cotton, 400,000 pounds, honey, 6,500 pounds; hay, 2,625 tons; wine, 1,550 gallons.
Stock: horses and mules, 1,500; cattle, 13,015; sheep, 6,007.
Trees, natural: oak, pine, gum, ash, poplar, cypress, &c.
This county is watered by the Cape Fear and Lower Little rivers and their tributaries. The Cape Fear is navigable to Fayetteville. The water power in this county is immense, and if controlled by scientific and energetic men, would become a source of great wealth. Capitalists and manufacturers should visit and examine this most valuable portion of the State with the view of investment.
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FAYETTEVILLE, the county seat, is one of the largest cities in the State. It is 100 miles by water from Wilmington and 60 miles from Raleigh. Its location, and natural and artificial resources promise for it a future of great material prosperity.
CURRITUCK.
This county, named from an Indian tribe, lies in the north-eastern part of the State.
Area, 200 square miles.
Population, 7,500.
Doctors, 6; lawyers, 3; churches, 12; academies, 2 and other schools; post offices, 3.
Farms, 500: acres improved, 37,000; unimproved, 90,000.
Annual products: corn, 300,000 bushels; wheat, 1,500 bushels; oats and rye 2,860 bushels; peas, 40,000 bushels; Irish and sweet potatoes, 150,000 bushels; butter, 54,000 pounds; flax, 30,000 pounds; wool, 12,500 pounds; beeswax and honey, 5,000 pounds; scuppernong and other grapes grow finely.
Lands generally good and productive--recovered swamp lands very rich. Fine fishing section and immense quantities of wild game.
Stock: horses and mules, 1,085; cattle, 7,250; sheep, 6,000; hogs, 15,500.
Forests: oak, pine, juniper and cypress.
CURRITUCK COURT HOUSE, the county seat, 240 miles from Raleigh.
DAVIDSON.
This county was organized from Rowan in 1822.
Area, 650 square miles.
Population 16,000.
Surface, hilly. Lands productive. On the rivers very fine. The "Jersey settlement" is a splendid farming section.
Doctors, 12; lawyers, 8; churches, 41; colleges, 3, and other schools; post offices, 6; factories, 3; mills, grist, 15; Mines: gold, silver, lead and copper.
Farms, 1,250: acres improved, 121,500; unimproved, 200,000; farms, value, $1,988,000.
Annual products: corn, 500,000 bushels; wheat, 225,000 bushels; rye, 2,000 bushels; oats, 100,000 bushels; peas, 10,000 bushels; Irish and sweet potatoes, 51,750 bushels; butter, 85,000 pounds; cotton, 280,000 pounds; wool, 20,000 pounds; flax, 5,500 pounds; tobacco, 125,000 pounds; rice, 15,000
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pounds; honey, 50,000 pounds; hay, 3,000 tons; sorghum, 10,000 gallons; fruits, value $28,000.
Stock: horses and mules, 4,000; cattle, 9,133; hogs, 28,105.
Trees, natural: ash, oak. elm,, hickory, poplar, chesnut, &c.
Several farms in this county highly improved.
LEXINGTON, the county seat, is 117 miles west of Raleigh on the North Carolina Rail Road.
DAVIE.
This county was taken from Rowan county, 1836.
Area, 250 square miles.
Population, 8,500.
Doctors, 14; lawyers, 2; churches, 18; academies, 4; post offices, 6; grist mills, 17; tobacco factories, 5; distilleries, 18, tanneries, 4.
Farms, 410: acres improved, 60,000; unimproved, 95,000; value, $1,335,000.
Annual products: corn, 320,000 bushels; wheat, 105,000 bushels; oats, 64,000 bushels; rye, 3,900 bushels; peas, 8,500 bushels; Irish potatoes, 6,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 14,000 bushels; butter, 45,000 pounds; honey, 1,700 pounds; wool, 7,500 pounds; tobacco, 400,000 pounds; hay, 4,000 tons; Sorghum, 4,000 gallons; fruits, value $10,000.
Stock: horses and mules, 2,000; cattle, 4,797; sheep, 5,110; hogs, 1,370.
Trees, natural: ash, elm, hickory, oak, &c.
The lands are generally good, and well adapted to improved culture. Prices moderate.
MOCKSVILLE, the county seat, is 135 miles from Raleigh.
DUPLIN.
This county was organized in 1749.
Area, 670 square miles.
Population, 15,800.
Doctors, 12; lawyers, 6; churches, 20; academies, 4; post offices 6; saw-mills, 12; tar and turpentine factories, 20.
Farms, 923; acres improved, 107,000; unimproved, 340,000; value, $3,132,000.
Annual products: corn, 425,000 bushels; wheat, 5,000 bushels; oats, 4,000 bushels; rye, 6,852 bushels; pease, 65,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 10,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 305,000 bushels, butter, 60,000 pounds; cotton, 8,000,000 pounds; wool, 13,000 pounds; rice, 125,000 pounds; honey, 51,554 pounds; beeswax, 4,000 pounds; hay, 2,860 tons; fruits, value $2,500.
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Stock: horses and mules, 2,500; cattle, 11,250; sheep, 4,500; hogs, 39,000.
Trees, natural: oak, hickory, pine, &c.
Soil sandy but productive. Improved swamp lands very fine. Markets easy of access. Wilmington and Weldon Rail Road runs through the county.
KENANSVILLE, the county seat, is 86 miles from Raleigh.
EDGECOMBE.
This county was organized, from Craven, in 1733.
Area, 600 square miles.
Soil good. Muck and marl abundant.
Population, 17,300.
Farms, 900; acres improved, 134,758; unimproved, 174,600; value $4,974,920.
Doctors, 25; lawyers, 7; churches, 23; schools, 15; grist mills, 7; cotton factory, 1.
Annual products: corn, 725,500 bushels; wheat, 12,500 bushels; rye, 11,000 bushels; oats, 66,225 bushels; pease, 97,758, bushels; Irish potatoes, 15,250 bushels; sweet potatoes, 200,000 bushels; butter, 32,000 pounds; cotton, 10,000,000 pounds; wool, 9,452 pounds; rice, 6,000 pounds; beeswax, 2,721 pounds; honey, 2,500 pounds; wine, 2,500 gallons; hay, 5,408 tons; fruits, value $12,000.
Stock: horses and mules, 4,000; cattle, 9,790; sheep, 5,250; hogs, 50,000.
This is the most highly improved agricultural county in the State. Edgecombe is the banner cotton county in the State. Accessible to market by Rail Road and water communication.
TARBORO, the county seat, situated on Tar river is 76 miles East from Raleigh.
FORSYTHE.
This county was organized out of Stokes in 1848.
Area, 250 square miles.
Population 12,000.
Farms, 1,000; acres improved, 75,000; unimproved, 132,500; cash value, $1,175,800.
Annual products: corn, 318,000 bushels; wheat, 188,000 bushels; oats, 60,950 bushels; rye, 8,132 bushels; Irish potatoes, 12,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 21,000 bushels, pease, 2,350 bushels; butter, 75,000 pounds; honey, 47,000; wool, 10,000 pounds; tobacco, 552,000 pounds; flax seed, 5,586 bushels; hay, 5,500 tons; fruit, value, $35,000.
Stock: horses, 2,275; mules, 300; cattle, 6,134; sheep, 6,386; hogs, 19,000.
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Churches, 24; schools, 12; mills, grist, 25; saw, 6; paper, 1; factories, cotton, 1; woolen, 1; post office, 7; ministers, 15; lawyers, 6; doctors, 14.
This county is peculiarly adapted to fruit, grain and grass.
WINSTON is the county seat.
Salem, contiguous to Winston, is a beautiful village, founded by the Moravians. The Female School at this place has been in successful operation for more than half a century, and is justly celebrated. More Southern women have been educated here than at any other school in the country.
FRANKLIN.
This county, named after Benjamin Franklin, was organized in 1779.
Area, 450 square miles.
Population, 14,100.
Farms, 650; acres improved, 119,000; unimproved, 150,000; cash value, $3,500,000.
Annual products: corn, 416,500 bushels; wheat, 45,000 bushels; oats, 32,000 bushels; rye, 11,300 bushels; Irish potatoes, 8,250 bushels; sweet potatoes, 11,000 bushels; pease, 32,634 bushels; cotton, 990,000 pounds; wool, 8,500 pounds; tobacco, 1,962,385 pounds; butter, 70,000 pounds; honey, 20,000 pounds; hay, 13,000 tons; fruits, value, $10,000.
Stock: horses and mules, 2,500; cattle, 8,675; sheep, 6,250; hogs, 27,250.
Forests: ash, elm, oak, hickory and gum.
Churches, 26; schools, 5; mills: grist, 75; saw, 10; tanneries, 14; post offices, 6; doctors, 15; lawyers, 6.
The lands are well adapted to cotton culture. It is a healthy section, people intelligent and hospitable.
LOUISBURG, the county seat, on the Tar river, is 35 miles from Raleigh. There is a Female College and an excellent male Academy in this place.
The Raleigh & Gaston Rail Road runs through this county.
GASTON.
This county, named for Judge Gaston, was organized in 1846.
Area, 350 square miles.
Population, 9500.
Farms, 825; acres improved, 52,800; unimproved 167,500. Cash value 1,529,225.
Annual products: corn, 344,000 bushels; wheat, 74,000 bushels; oats, 17,000 bushels; pease, 8,000 bushels; Irish
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potatoes, 5,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 21,000 bushels; butter, 85,500 pounds; wool, 10,500 pounds; tobacco, 5,000 pounds, honey, 20,500 pounds; hay, 1,250 tons; sorghum, 4,250 gallons; fruits, value $5,600.
Stock: horses and mules, 2,500; cattle, 6,195; sheep, 5,366; hogs, 15,335.
Trees, natural: ash, hickory, white and red oak, elm and walnut.
Doctors, 8; lawyers, 2; churches, 20; postoffices, 10. Mines, gold, 4. Mills, cotton, 3; grist, 14. Factories, 2.
It is watered by the Catawba and its tributaries. Lands are good and well adapted to wheat, corn and the grasses. Gold mines have been opened here. Water power abundant.
DALLAS, a small village, is the county seat.
GATES.
This county, named after General Gates, was organized in 1779.
Area, 300 square miles.
Population, 8,444.
Farms, 525; acres, improved, 72,678; unimproved, 83,673. Cash value, $950,000.
Annual products: corn; 420,693 bushels; wheat, 10,000 bushels; oats, 6,852 bushels; rye, 1,435 bushels; pease, 44,828 bushels; Irish potatoes, 8,684 bushels; sweet potatoes, 162,000 bushels; butter, 15,000 pounds; wool, 5,000 pounds; tobacco, 2,000 pounds; honey, 6,000 pounds; hay, 2,800 tons: fruits, value, $5,000.
Stock: horses, 1,147; mules, 250; cattle, 6,500; sheep, 2,817; hogs, 25,833.
Trees, natural: pine, oak, (white, Spanish, and red,) hickory, juniper, cypress and gum.
Doctors, 7; lawyers, 2; churches, 17; academies, 10; post offices, 6; factories, 6; mills, grist, 8; shingle, 6
The oak and cypress timber of this county is valuable. Soil good and adapted to corn, wheat, cotton and fruits. Recovered swamp lands very good.
GATESVILLE, the county seat is 155 miles North-east from Raleigh.
GRANVILLE.
This county was formed from Edgecombe in 1786.
Area, 750 square miles.
Population, 24,396.
Soil good, red, yellow and gray.
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Farms: 1,250; acres improved, 197,500; unimproved, 245,500. Cash value, $3,500,000.
Annual products: corn, 349,777 bushels; wheat, 183,550 bushels; oats, 150,000 bushels; rye, 322 bushels; pease, 8,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 12,800 bushels; sweet potatoes, 93,800 bushels; butter, 110,000 pounds; honey, 20,000 pounds; wool, 20,500; tobacco, 6,625,594 pounds; hay, 15,000 tons; fruits, value, $3,000.
Stock: horses, 4,294; mules, 500; cattle, 10,500; sheep, 15,810; hogs, 34,249.
Trees, natural: oak, (white, Spanish, red and chestnut) hickory, ash, elm and gum. Lands productive in wheat, tobacco and corn.
Churches, 50; schools, 18; mills, grist, 13; factories, tobacco, 6; iron, 1; tanneries, 6; post offices, 10; doctors, 20; lawyers, 19.
OXFORD, the county seat, a beautiful village, is 45 miles from Raleigh. The Raleigh & Gaston Rail Road runs through this county.
Henderson, located on the Raleigh & Gaston Rail Road is a growing place, and well situated for trade in a good farming section.
GREENE.
This county was organized, as Dobbs county, in 1779. The name was changed to Greene county in 1799.
Area, 280 square miles.
Population 7,935.
Farms, 5000: acres improved, 63,500; unimproved, 87,500. Cash value, $1,658,998.
Annual products: corn 312,820 bushels; wheat 10,757 bushels; oats 6,020 bushels; rye 8,650 bushels; pease 65,000 bushels; Irish potatoes 7,750 bushels; sweet potatoes 76,458 bushels; butter 15,000 pounds; cotton 1,835,600 pounds; wool 3,335 pounds; rice 6,500 pounds; honey 12,000 pounds; hay 3,500 tons; wine 1,100 gallons; fruits, value $3,000.
Stock: horses 1,000; mules 500; cattle 3,068; sheep 2,053; hogs 22,000.
Forest: oaks, ash, elm, hickory and pine.
Doctors, 6; lawyers, 2; churches, 15; academies, 4; and other schools in the county. Mills, grist 5.
Marl of fine quality is found in this county. Land productive. Cotton and corn grow well. The grape grows finely.
SNOW HILL the county seat, is 70 miles east from Raleigh.
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GUILFORD.
This county was organized from Rowan and Orange counties in 1770.
Area, 600 square miles.
Population, 20,500.
Surface level, soil good.
Farms, 1,500: acres improved, 195,715; unimproved, 180,823. Cash value, 3,500,000.
Annual products: corn, 515,000 bushels; wheat, 2,000 bushels; oats, 160,000 bushels; rye, 2,500 bushels; pease, 9,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 25,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 5,200 bushels; rice, 2,000 bushels; cotton, 60,000 pounds; wool, 22,000 pounds; butter, 150,000 pounds; cheese, 5,000 pounds; flax, 5,000 pounds; honey, 39,000 pounds: beeswax, 5,000 pounds; hay, 8,000 tons; molasses, sorghum, 9,000 gallons; fruits, value, $2,500; vegetables, value, $10,000.
Stock: horses, 3,950; mules, 500; cattle, 13,228; sheep, 14,000; hogs, 50,000.
Native Forests: ash, poplar, elm, hickory, oak, chestnut.
The lands are adapted to wheat, tobacco and fruits. Health good. A number of copper mines in the county.
Greensboro', the county seat, is 80 miles west of Raleigh. Female college at this place.
The North Carolina Central Rail Road, runs through this county. A Rail Road connects Greensboro' with Danville, Va. It will soon be connected by Rail Road with Salem also. High Point, on the N. C. Rail Road, is a good location for a village.
HALIFAX.
This county was organized from Edgecombe, in 1858.
Area, 680 square miles.
Population, 19,441.
Surface broken. Soil rich.
Farms, 900: acres improved, 147,615; unimproved, 248,825. Cash value, $3,699,426.
Annual products: corn, 800,000 bushels; wheat, 36,000 bushels; oats, 54,000 bushels; rye, 1,000 bushels; pease, 45,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 16,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 123,000 bushels; butter, 50,000 pounds; cotton, 4,200,000 pounds; wool, 9,000 pounds; tobacco, 900,000 pounds; honey, 15,000 pounds; beeswax, 2,000 pounds; hay, 6,500 tons; wine, 3,000 gallons; fruits, value $16,500.
Stock: horses, 1,994; mules, 1,500; cattle, 11,500; sheep, 5,000; hogs, 36,500.
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Native growth: cedar, juniper, oak, hickory, ash and elm.
Churches, 20; doctors, 30; lawyers, 8; academies, 6; post offices, 8; mills, 10.
The rich valley of the Roanoke bounds the county on north and east. The lands are immensely rich. The high lands and recovered swamp lands are very productive of corn, cotton and fruits. Many of these lands lie on the rail roads leading to Norfolk and Petersburg and are favorably located for truck-farming.
HALIFAX, the county seat on the Roanoke river, is 87 miles north east from Raleigh. The Wilmington and Weldon and the Raleigh and Gaston Rail Roads run through this county.
HARNETT.
This county lies in the centre of the State.
Area, ---- square miles.
Population, 8,000.
Farms, ----; acres improved, 216,670; unimproved, 241,000. Cash value, $992,500.
Annual products: corn, 191,250 bushels; wheat 13,000 bushels; oats, 8,260 bushels; rye, 2,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 4,000; sweet potatoes, 110,000 bushels; pease, 2,700; butter, 28,000 pounds; wool, 7,000 pounds; honey, 2,500 gallons.
Stock: cattle, 7,500; sheep, 5,000; hogs, 17,000.
Native growth: long leaf pine, oak, elm, &c.
Churches, 15. Mills, grist, 22. Postoffices, 7. Doctors, 12. Lawyers, 8.
The lands are adapted to cotton, corn and grape growing. The pine timber of the county is valuable.
LILLINGTON, the county seat, is 35 miles from Raleigh.
HAYWOOD.
This county was formed from Buncombe county in 1808. It lies in the mountain region.
Area, 900 square miles.
Population, 7,525.
It is drained by Pigeon river and its tributaries.
Farms, 650; acres improved, 35,000; acres unimproved, 350,000.
Annual products: corn, 200,000 bushels; wheat, 15,000 bushels; oats, 50,000 bushels; Irish and sweet potatoes, 15,000 bushels; butter, 60,000 pounds; hay, 10,000 tons.
Stock: horses and mules, 2,000; cattle, 8,000; sheep, 8,250; hogs, 18,500.
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Natural forest: mountain ash, sugar maple, hickory, oak, chestnut, &c.
Churches, 26; 4 academies and a few primary schools.
The climate is lovely beyond description, and its mountain scenery is beautiful. Grain, fruits and the grasses, can be cultivated to a very great extent and its mountain ranges are favorable for raising large quantities of sheep, horses, &c.
Lands are abundant, fertile and cheap.
WAYNESVILLE the county seat, is situated in the forks of Pigeon river amid beautiful mountain scenery. Distance from Raleigh about 295 miles.
HENDERSON.
This county was formed out of Buncombe in 1858.
Area, 600 square miles.
Population, 10,500.
Farms, 500: acres improved, 43,500; unimproved, 150,500. Cash value, $1,515,000.
Annual products: corn, 326,000 bushels; wheat, 7,000 bushels; oats, 16,000 bushels; rye, 32,500 bushels; Irish potatoes, 18,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 15,000 bushels; pease, 1,500 bushels; butter, 50,000 pounds; honey, 12,000 pounds; wool, 14,000 pounds; tobacco, 2,000 pounds; sorghum, 10,000 gallons; hay, 1,000 tons; fruits, value, $16,000.
Stock: horses, 1,400; mules, 450; cattle, 6,500; sheep, 8,000; hogs, 15,750.
Churches, 22; schools, 6; mills, grist, 12; doctors, 6; lawyers, 4.
The surface is broken. Lands good and well adapted to grazing. The bottom lands are very good.
HENDERSONVILLE, the county seat, is 250 miles west by South from Raleigh.
The Western Rail Road is to run through this county.
HERTFORD.
This county, named after the Earl of Hertford, was formed out of Chowan, Bertie and Northampton counties in 1759.
Area, 320 square miles.
Population, 10,000.
Surface, level. Soil very productive.
Farms, 500; acres improved, 72,550; unimproved, 133,500; cash value, $1,321,500.
Annual products: corn, 407,500 bushels; wheat, 10,600 bushels; oats, 11,750 bushels; rye, 1,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 10,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 120,000, bushels; pease,
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28,000 bushels; cotton, 1,000,000 pounds; wool, 5,705 pounds; butter, 12,000 pounds; honey, 7,000 pounds; wine, 2,500 gallons; fish, 2,000 barrels; hay, 2,500 tons; fruits, value, $10,000.
Stock: horses, 1,144; mules, 500; cattle, 4,400; sheep, 3,500; hogs, 21,500.
Trees, natural: pine, oak, juniper, elm and cedar.
Churches, 20; colleges, 2, academies, 8; post offices, 6; mills, grist, 12; saw, 4; doctors, 14; lawyers, 4.
The lands of this county are good--well adapted to cotton and corn. Several fine fisheries in this county lie on Chowan river. Pine and cypress timber valuable.
WINTON, on the Chowan river, is the county seat.
Murfreesboro' on the Meherrin river, is the principal town. It has two Female Colleges, and is a pleasant place.
HYDE.
This county, named after General Hyde, was one of the original precincts of 1729.
Area, 430 square miles.
Population, 8,000.
Surface level. Soil rich.
Farms, 300; acres improved, 32,000; unimproved, 90,500. Cash value, $1,700,000.
Annual product: corn, 500,000 bushels; wheat, 25,000 bushels; oats, 2,500 bushels; rye, 1,200 bushels; Irish potatoes, 100; sweet potatoes, 8,100; pease, 3,500 bushels; cotton, 200,000 pounds; wool, 510,000 pounds; honey, 1,500 pounds.
Stock: horses, 900; mules, 150; cattle, 6,600; hogs, 11,500.
Trees, natural: red cedar, oak, cypress, gum, long leaf pine, juniper and hickory.
Mills: grist, 3; saw, 4; shingle, 4. Ministers, 7; doctors, 7; lawyers, 2.
Lands very rich, especially around Mattamuskeet Lake. It is one of the finest corn sections in the world. Peat is abundant in the county. Juniper and cypress timber very valuable.
SWAN QUARTER, the county seat, near Pamlico, is 170 miles east from Raleigh.
IREDELL.
This county, named after Judge Iredell, was formed from Rowan county in 1788.
Area, 600 square miles.
Population, 15,500.
Surface hilly, soil, generally productive.
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Farms 1,200: acres improved, 96,000; unimproved, 227,000. Cash value, $2,500,000.
Annual products: corn, 505,000 bushels; wheat, 135,000 bushels; oats, 72,000 bushels; rye, 1,500 bushels; Irish potatoes, 10,500 bushels; sweet potatoes, 25,000 bushels; pease, 12,500 bushels; cotton, 200,000 pounds; wool, 15,000 pounds; tobacco, 150,000 pounds; butter, 84,000 pounds; honey, 56,500 pounds; beeswax, 4,000 pounds; flax, 250,000 pounds; sorghum, 8,500 gallons; hay, 4,000 tons; fruits, value, $14,000.
Stock: horses, 5,000; mules, 1,000; cattle, 11,000; hogs, 26,000.
Trees, natural: ash, chestnut, oak and hickory.
Churches, 40; colleges, 2; academies, 4; other schools; mills, grist, 15; oil,--; tanneries, 10; factories, cotton, 1; tobacco, 4; post offices, 15; ministers, 15; doctors, 25; lawyers, 8.
This is a good wheat, corn and fruit county. Tobacco also grows well, and cotton on its southern border.
STATESVILLE, the county seat, is 145 miles west from Raleigh. A female college here.
The Western and Charlotte Rail Roads run through this county.
JACKSON.
This county was organized out of Haywood and Macon counties in 1850, and lies in the south western part of the State. Formerly inhabited by the Cherokee Indians of whom a few hundred still remain.
Area, 1,308 square miles.
Population 5,500.
Farms 500; 46,772 acres improved; 775,000 acres unimproved. Much of this is said not to be enlisted and is the property of the State. Perhaps 500,000 acres are in market.
Of the small portion cultivated, the annual product was in 1860, wheat, 18,000 bushels; corn 237,997 bushels; oats 11,000 bushels; beans and peas, 3,000 bushels; Irish potatoes 16,000 bushels; sweet potatoes 15,500; tobacco, 7,000 pounds; wool, 9,000 pounds; butter, 42,000 pounds; honey, 16,000 pounds; molasses, 10,000 gallons; hay, 500 tons; orchard products valued at $5,000.
Stock: horses, 1660; mules, 204; milch cows, 1916; other cattle, 4223; sheep, 5336; hogs, 16,168.
Original growth of timber: oak, hickory, chesnut, poplar, locust and walnut. Immense forests still remain untouched.
Lands vary from poor to very good. Valleys and mountain sides fertile and very productive. A fine grazing country. Lands from $1 to $5 per acre.
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Mines of gold, copper, &c., abundant. Limestone all over this region.
Churches, 10; lawyers, 2; doctors 4; grist mills, 6; post offices 8.
WEBSTER is the county seat of Jackson.
JOHNSTON.
This county was formed out of Craven, 1746, and named after Gov. Johnston.
Area, 670 square miles.
Population, 15,600.
Farms, 1,200; 110,000 acres improved; 225,000 acres unimproved.
Stock: horses, 2,225; mules, 600; cows, 4,550; other cattle, 6,500; sheep, 8,500; hogs, 40,500.
Annual products: wheat, 6,000 bushels; rye, 10,000 bushels; corn, 468,500 bushels; oats, 22,800, bushels; rice, 2,500 pounds; tobacco, 15,000 pounds; cotton, 3,000 bales; wool, 11,000 pounds; pease, 80,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 5,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 225,000 bushels; orchard products, $10,000; butter, 70,000 pounds; hay, 4,000 tons; honey, 15,000 pounds.
Churches, 23; academies 6; lawyers, 9; doctors 12; factory, cotton, 1; post offices, 6.
Granite and iron are found at different places. It is well watered by Neuse and Little rivers, and a number of creeks.
Original growth of timber: pine, oak, hickory, gum, elm, ash and black jack.
A portion of the lands are sandy, but generally good and productive. Good cotton farms found in all parts of the county.
The North Carolina Rail Road runs through the county.
Land, in any quantity for sale very low.
SMITHFIELD is the county seat. It lies on Neuse river 26 miles from Raleigh and about the same distance West from Goldsboro.
JONES.
This county was formed in 1779, from Craven, and lies in the Eastern part of the State.
Area, 380 square miles.
Population 5,750.
Farms, 300; acres improved, 55,000; acres unimproved, 125,000. Cash value, $1,000,000.
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Stock: horses, 825; mules, 350; cows, 1,500; other cattle, 3,000; sheep, 3,500; hogs, 1,600.
Annual products: wheat, 1,500 bushels; oats, 2,600 bushels; corn, 250,000 bushels; cotton, 2,000 bales; wool, 7,000 pounds; pease, 25,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 4,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 100,000 bushels; lumber, tar and turpentine exported.
Churches, 15; academies, 6; lawyers, 1; doctors, 5; grist and saw mills, 12; steam mills, 2; post offices, 4.
It is watered by Trent river and a number of creeks. Trent river is navigable to Pollocksville.
Native trees: cedar, juniper, cypress, oak and gum.
Marl and muck in abundance. Lands cheap, and produce corn and cotton finely.
TRENTON is the county seat, 125 miles Southeast from Raleigh and about 20 miles from New Bern.
LENOIR.
This county was formed in 1791, out of Johnston and lies in the eastern part of the State.
Area, 450 square miles.
Population, 10,223.
Farms, 500; acres improved, 112,000; acres unimproved, 162,000.
Stock: horses, 1,230; mules, 700; cows, 1,500; other cattle, 4,500; sheep, 3,500; hogs, 25,000.
Annual products: wheat, 12,000 bushels; rye 2,500 bushel; corn, 240,000 bushels; oats, 2,000 bushels; rice, 15,000 pounds; cotton, 4,500 bales; wool, 6,000 pounds; peas 8,500 bushels; Irish potatoes, 7,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 90,000 bushels; butter 16,750 pounds; honey, 10,000 pounds.
Churches, 15; academies, 6; lawyers, 6; doctors, 12; grist mills, 12; saw mills, 6; post offices, 5.
The Atlantic Rail Road runs through this county. Steamboats ply between Kinston and New Berne.
This is a splendid county for cotton, corn and truck farming. Soil good and very productive.
A large quantity of valuable land is in the market at low prices.
Natural forest: oak, pine, gum, ash and cypress.
KINSTON the county seat lies on Neuse River, 80 miles south east from Raleigh. Steamboats from New Berne, come here and the Atlantic Rail Road runs through this place.
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LINCOLN.
This county was formerly called Tyron, after Gov. Tyron, but whose oppressive administration was so obnoxious, that the General Assembly changed it to Lincoln in 1779. It lies in the south western part of the State.
Area, 420 square miles.
Population 10,100.
Farms, 800; acres improved, 45,567; acres unimproved, 140,000; cash value $1,380,500.
Stock: horses and mules, 2,100; cows, 1,800; other cattle, 3,000; sheep, 5,100; hogs, 13,000.
Annual products: wheat, 65,000 bushels; rye, 500 bushels; corn, 270,000 bushels; oats, 16,500 bushels; tobacco, 7,000 pounds; cotton, 500 bales; wool, 8,000 pounds; pease, 7,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 6,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 23,000 bushels; orchard products $11,000; butter, 75,000 pounds; hay, 3,000 tons; sorghum, 10,000 gallons; honey, 26,000 pounds.
There are 3 cotton factories; 7 iron foundries; 2 iron forges; 30 grist mills; 2 paper mills; 10 saw mills; 10 tanneries; churches, 32; academies, 10; lawyers, 13; doctors, 15; ministers, 20; gold mines, 10; post offices 9.
Catawba river runs through the county. It is rich in mineral ores and is also a good farming county.
Forest: ash, elm, white and red oak, chestnut, poplar, &c.
LINCOLN is the county seat, 170 miles south west, from Raleigh. The Rutherfordton Rail Road runs through this county and village.
MACON.
This county was formed in 1828, from Haywood, and lies in the extreme west.
Area, 600 square miles.
Farms, 700: 32,600 acres improved; 305,000 acres unimproved. Cash value, $900,000.
Stock: horses, 1,500; mules, 600; cows, 1,800; other cattle, 5,000, sheep, 5,100; hogs, 26,700.
Annual products: wheat, 65,000 bushels; rye, 1,000 bushels; corn, 270,000 bushels; oats, 16,500 bushels; tobacco, 20,000 pounds; wool, 8,000 pounds; pease, 10,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 6,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 25,000 bushels; orchard products, 12,000; butter, 75,000 pounds; hay, 3,000 tons; sorghum, 10,000 gallons; honey, 26,000 pounds; home manufactures, $18,500.
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Churches, 30; academies, 4; lawyers, 4; doctors, 5; ministers, 18; post offices, 4.
The surface is broken and mountainous. Soil, ordinary to good. Fine grazing region.
The Western Rail Road will run through this county.
Forests: oak, sugar maple, locust and white and black pine.
The beautiful red marble mountain is here.
In this county, thousands of sheep, cattle, horses and mules could be raised at a small cost. Three hundred thousand acres of mountain and farming lands in the market from 70 cents to five dollars per acre. Copper ore all over the county.
It is capable of supporting a population of fifty thousand.
FRANKLIN is the county seat, 325 miles from Raleigh.
MADISON.
This county was formed in 1850, from Buncombe and Yancey, named after President Madison.
Area, 450 square miles.
Population, 6,000.
Acres improved, 32,500; acres unimproved 174,000. Cash value, $750,000.
Stock: horses, 1,200; mules, 200; sheep, 5,100; cows, 2,100; other cattle, 3,000; hogs, 15,000.
Annual products: wheat, 32,500 bushels; rye, 3,000 bushels; corn, 235,500 bushels; oats, 30,000 bushels; tobacco, 16,000 pounds; wool, 10,000 pounds; pease, 5,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 15,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 3,000 bushels; orchard products, $12,000; butter, 58,000 pounds; flax, 5,000 pounds; sorghum, 25,000 gallons; honey, 20,000 pounds; home manufactures, $30,000.
Churches, 12; lawyers, 2; doctors, 4; ministers, 6; post offices, 6; mills, 10.
Original forests: pine, ash, elm, balsam, chestnut.
This is a beautiful county. Surface rough and mountainous. Lands good. A splendid farming, fruit and grazing region. Lands cheap and abundant. It is spoken of as one of the finest counties in the future in the transmontane region, when Rail Roads penetrate it.
MARSHALL is the county seat, about 260 miles west from Raleigh, on the east side of the French Broad.
MARTIN.
This county was organized in 1794, from Halifax, and named after Gov. Martin, the last of the Colonial Governors.
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It lies on the Roanoke river.
Area, 450 square miles.
Population 10,119.
Farms, 600; acres improved, 56,000; acres unimproved, 178,500; cash value, $1,158,545.
Stock: horses, 1,156; mules, 551; cows, 1,828; other cattle, 5,000; sheep, 4,780; hogs, 21,241.
Annual products: wheat, 2,500 bushels; corn, 320,000 bushels; oats, 17,000 bushels; rice, 2,500 pounds; cotton, 3,500 bales; wool, 8,000 pounds; pease, 35,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 7,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 100,000 bushels; orchard productions, $1,000; wine, 5,000 gallons; butter, 12,000 pounds; beeswax, 2,500 pounds; honey, 1,700 pounds.
Churches, 15; academies, 5; lawyers, 8; doctors, 7; merchants, 20; grist mills, 8; saw mills, 6; post offices, 4.
Original growth of timber: pine, oak, hickory, cypress and juniper.
This county is partly sandy. Soil good, low grounds very rich. The swamps are filled with vast quantities of juniper and cypress, fit for lumber. The Tarboro and Williamston Rail Road will pass through this county. There are rich beds of marl of the best kind for improving lands.
Cotton, corn, and the grape are cultivated largely.
WILLIAMSTON is the county seat, on the Roanoke river, 140 miles East from Raleigh. A handsome town.
McDOWELL.
This county was formed in 1842 from Rutherford and Burke.
Area, 450 square miles.
Population, 7,100.
Farms, 600; acres improved, 28,878; acres unimproved, 115,500. Cash value, $775,000.
Stock: horses, 900; mules, 600; cows, 1,500; other cattle, 3,000; sheep, 3,700; hogs 12,000.
Annual products: wheat, 25,000 bushels; rye, 5,500 bushels; corn, 240,000 bushels; oats, 6,000 bushels; tobacco, 20,000 pounds; wool, 8,000 pounds; pease, 7,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 9,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 14,000; butter, 30,000 pounds; sorghum, 3,000 gallons; honey, 11,000 pounds.
Churches, 20; lawyers, 3; doctors, 9; academies, 4; gold mines, 4; grist mills 10; post offices, 6.
The Western Rail Road passes through this county.
Original forests: white pine, ash, oak, chestnut, laurel, balsam, &c.
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Catawba and Linville rivers, and a number of creeks water the county.
Surface broken and mountainous. Much good farming land. A fine fruit and grazing region.
MARION is the county seat, 200 miles from Raleigh.
MECKLENBURG.
This county was formed in 1762 from Anson, and named in honor of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg.
Area, 720 square miles.
Population, 17,500.
Acres improved, 95,938; unimproved, 181,562; cash value, $2,823,949.
Stock: horses, 2,829; mules, 1,500; cows, 4,319; other cattle 6,500; sheep, 9,216; hogs, 23,500.
Annual products: wheat, 160,000 bushels; rye, 1,299; corn, 550,225 bushels; oats, 43,366 bushels; tobacco. 25,161 bushels; cotton, 6,112 bales; wool, 15,621 pounds; pease, 41,596 bushels; Irish potatoes, 11,835 bushels; sweet potatoes, 26,716 bushels; orchard products $5,000; butter, 129,269; hay, 2,553 tons; sorghum, 13,283 gallons; beeswax, 1,429 pounds; honey, 20,384 pounds.
Churches, 35; ministers, 23; colleges, 3; academies 6; schools, primary 40; lawyers, 11; doctors, 25; 1 woolen factory; factories of different kinds about 20; mines: gold and copper, 15; grist mills, 25; post offices, 10.
Gold is found all over the county.
Natural forest: ash, elm, oaks, pine, chestnut, &c.
It is thought by scientific men that the mines in North Carolina, are as valuable, as the mines in California.
The soil produces wheat, corn, apples, pears, peaches, hay, clover and garden vegetables in great profusion.
The lands are well adapted to cotton and corn.
CHARLOTTE is the county seat of justice for Mecklenburg county, it lies 155 miles southwest from Raleigh. It is a city of growing improvement. It was here, the first Declaration of American Independence was read, on the 20th of May, 1775.
MITCHELL.
This county has recently been formed out of Yancey, McDowell, Burke and Watauga, and named after the late Rev. Dr. Mitchell of Chapel Hill.
Being a new county, its statistics have not been ascertained.
Its lands are good. Surface broken and mountainous.
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Wheat, corn, rye, oats, Irish potatoes, buckwheat, cabbages and fruits, especially apples, grow well. It is particularly adapted to stock raising and grazing.
Much of it is in original forests, of ash, poplar, chestnut, white pine, balsam, oak, &c.
Iron and copper ores have been found and are believed to exist in large quantities.
In the Northeastern part of the county, limestone, blue and white marble of fine texture are said to exist.
The lands are very cheap and abundant. The resources of the county are yet to be developed.
BAKERSVILLE is the county seat.
MONTGOMERY.
This county was taken from Anson in 1779.
Area, 550 square miles.
Population, 7,640.
Acres improved, 56,178 acres; unimproved, 204,513. Cash value, $359,500.
Annual products: wheat, 66,772 bushels; rye, 1,000 bushels; corn, 281,658 bushels; oats, 35,246 bushels; tobacco, 25,000 pounds; cotton, 1,500 bales; pease, 11,000; Irish potatoes, 8,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 35,000 bushels; orchard production $7,500; butter 80,000 pounds; hay, 1,729 tons; sorghum, 3,000 gallons; honey, 25,000 pounds.
Stock: horses, 1,354; mules, 250; cows, 2,259; other cattle, 5,000; sheep, 7,500; hogs, 14,000.
Churches, 20; ministers, 15; doctors, 6; lawyers, 4; academies 6, besides primary schools; grist mills, 28; saw mills, 4; cotton factories, 2; several tanneries; gold mines, 9, others opening; post offices, 10.
Forests: white oak, red oak, post oak, hickory, persimmon, ash, poplar, &c.
The minerals of this county are very valuable.
Its water power is very great, suitable for machinery of all kinds.
Lands adapted to cotton, corn, potatoes, &c. Can be bought low.
TROY is the county seat, about 90 miles Southwest from Raleigh.
MOORE.
This county was organized in 1784, from Cumberland.
Area, 650 square miles.
Population 11,475.
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Acres improved, 65,165; acres unimproved, 345,148; cash value, $1,178,311.
Stock: horses, 2,160; mules, 300; cows, 3,589; other cattle, 6,500; sheep, 12,866; hogs, 25,000.
Annual products: wheat, 75,000 bushels; rye, 5,000 bushels; corn, 281,650 bushels; oats, 35,500 bushels; wool, 17,500 pounds; pease, 25,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 2,500 bushels; sweet potatoes, 77,000 bushels: orchard products, $10,000; butter, 115,000 pounds; hay, 500 tons; turpentine, &c.
Churches, 30; ministers, 18; doctors, 12; lawyers, 2, academies, 6, and primary schools in the county; grist mills, 20.
Mines: two gold mines and one soap stone mine have been worked; post offices, 7.
Original growth of timber: long leaf pine, red oak, black jack, hickory, poplar, &c.
The lands range from poor to good. Cotton, corn, sweet potatoes and pease grow well, and the grape may be raised extensively. It is well timbered with long leaf pine, but is rather inaccessible to market. Land can be bought very low.
The Fayetteville, (Coalfields) Rail Road passes through the Northern part of this county.
CARTHAGE, the county seat, is 60 miles from Raleigh.
NASH.
This county was formed out of Edgecombe in 1777, and named after General Francis Nash, who fell at the battle of Germanton.
Area, 600 square miles.
Population, 11,688.
Acres improved, 81,100; acres unimproved, 205,000. Cash value, $1,736,608.
Stock: horses, 1,116; mules, 500; cows, 2,199; other cattle, 3,536; oxen, 1,145; sheep, 5,439; hogs, 25,874.
Annual products: wheat, 12,000 bushels; rye, 1,000 bushels; corn, 335,000 bushels; oats, 20,500 bushels; tobacco, 100,000 pounds; cotton, 3,000 bales; wool, 7,000 pounds; pease, 30,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 8,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 115,800 bushels; orchard products, $15,000; butter, 23,885 pounds; beeswax, 1,500 pounds; honey, 15,671 pounds.
Churches, 22; schools, 6; mines, 1; post offices, 4.
Native forests: oak, ashe, pine, gum, &c.
Its soil is sandy, but productive. Cotton, corn, potatoes, &c., grow finely. Marl and muck are easily obtained. Fruits grow well. The county has been famous for apple and peach brandy. Lands are cheap.
NASHVILLE is the county seat, and about 44 miles from Raleigh.
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NEW HANOVER.
This county was organized in 1728, named after the Royal House of Hanover.
Area, 1000 square miles.
Surface level. Soil sandy, but productive.
Population 25,000.
Farms, 650; acres, improved, 52,925; acres, unimproved, 395,624; cash value, $1,381,687.
Stock: horses 1,151; mules, 439; cows, 3,435; other cattle, 9,000; sheep, 5,758; hogs, 30,000.
Annual products: wheat, 9,630 bushels; rye, 1,500 bushels; corn, 250,000 bushels; oats, 1,000 bushels; rice, 1,500,000 pounds; wool, 7,000 pounds; pease, 82,000 bushels; Irish potatoes, 5,500 bushels; sweet potatoes, 175,000 bushels; pea nuts, 100,000 bushels; lumber, $50,000; turpentine, 10,000 barrels; spirits of turpentine, 20,000 barrels; tar, fish, &c.
Mills, Factories, &c.: 6 saw mills; 4 planing mills; 15 turpentine distilleries; 30 tar factories; 2 ship yards.
Churches, 20; ministers, 12; academies, 8; lawyers, 10; doctors, 15; grist mills, 8.
Forests: principally long leaf pine, some oak, hickory and live oak.
The lands are well adapted to truck farming. The pea-nut is more extensively cultivated than in any county in the State and is very profitable. Cotton and corn do well, and the rice lands are productive.
WILMINGTON the largest city of the State, is also the county seat of New Hanover. It is constantly growing in commercial importance. Large exports of cotton, turpentine and lumber are annually made from this city.
NORTHAMPTON.
This county was formed in 1741, and was taken from Bertie.
Area, 350 square miles.
Population, 13,500.
127,775 acres improved; 170,292 acres unimproved. Cash value, $2,639,030.
Stock: horses, 1,882; mules 1,950; cows, 2,933; other cattle, 6,000; sheep, 3,000; hogs, 32,800.
Annual products: wheat, 30,000 bushels; rye, 1,000 bushels; corn, 635,000 bushels; oats, 25,000 bushels; tobacco, 300,000 pounds; cotton, 6,500 bales; wool, 7,500 pounds; pease 54,500 bushels; Irish potatoes, 10,000 bushels; sweet potatoes, 110,000 bushels; orchard products $5,000; butter 110,000 pounds; honey, 6,000 pounds.
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Churches, 10; schools, 10; lawyers, 5; doctors 12; hotels, 2; mills, 6; post offices, 6; 6 stave factories; 1 shingle mill.
Original growth of timber: ash, oak, cypress, pine, &c.
The surface is level, the soil productive, and accessible to market.
It is well adapted to corn, cotton, truck farming and the cultivation of the grape.
JACKSON is the county seat, and located in the midst of a rich farming country.
ONSLOW.
This county was organized 1754, from New Hanover. It lies in the eastern part of the State.
Area, 600 square miles.
Population, 8,856.
Acres improved, 65,000; acres unimproved, 250,000. Cash value, $1,337,923.
Annual products: wheat, 500 bushels; rye, 5,000 bushels; corn, 275,000 bushels; oats, 3,000 bushels; rice, 50,000 pounds; wool, 7,500 pounds; pease, 85,500 bushels; Irish potatoes, 6,500 bushels; sweet potatoes, 175,500 bushels; butter, 20,000 pounds; beeswax, 5,000 pounds; honey, 50,000 pounds; cotton, 500,000 pounds; turpentine, $10,000; Lumber, $5,000.
Stock: horses, 1,000; mules, 500; cows, 2,619; other cattle, 6,500; sheep, 4,000; hogs, 25,600
Churches, 22; academies, 5; lawyers, 2; doctors, 12; post offices, 7.
Forests: long leaf pine, oak, gum and cypress.
Lands productive and well adapted to cotton and corn, and the cultivation of the grape. Pine and cypress lumber valuable.
JACKSONVILLE is the county seat, 120 miles South-east from Raleigh.
ORANGE.
This county was organized in 1751, from Granville, Johnston and Bladen, and named in compliment to the Roya House of England. It lies in the centre of the State.
Area, 650 square miles.
Population, 16,429.
Farms, 1,230; acres, improved, 101,354; acres unimproved, 246,040; cash value, $2,141,690.
Stock: horses, 3,199; mules, 350; cows, 4,081; other cattle, 5,999; sheep, 11,314; hogs, 27,444.
Annual products: wheat, 154,794 bushels; rye, 2,527 bushels;
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corn, 400,242 bushels; oats, 81,825 bushels; tobacco, 1,139,764 pounds; wool, 15,004 pounds; pease, 8,506 bushels; Irish potatoes, 12,754 bushels; sweet potatoes, 46,716 bushels; orchard products, $5,000; butter, 105,884 pounds; hay, 1,500 tons; flax, 5,000 pounds; bees wax, 2,500 pounds; honey, 20,000 pounds.
Original growth of timber: white oak, red oak, post oak, cedar, hickory, walnut, elm, oak, poplar, tulip tree, gum, persimmon, black jack, &c.
The soil is principally of red clay, adapted to wheat, corn, tobacco, oats and fruits. It is well watered, healthy, and a good farming country.
HILLSBORO, the county seat, was laid out in 1759.
It has a large Female school of high reputation, and two Academies.
At Chapel Hill, the State University is located.
Durham, on the North Carolina Rail Road is a thriving village.
PASQUOTANK.
This county was known in 1729, as one of the original precints of ancient Albemarle. It derives its name from an Indian tribe. It lies in the Northeastern part of the State.
Area, 250 square miles.
Population, 8,940
Farms 600; acres improved,