History of

Alleghany & Ashe Counties, NC

New! 37 Page Illustrated Booklet

Early days in Alleghany County and Ashe County, in the northwest corner of North Carolina, are recalled in this new 37-page spiral-bound booklet, comprised of excerpts from several vintage books, the oldest dating from 1851. These source materials include John Hill Wheeler's Historical Sketches of North Carolina; North Carolina, A Guide to the Old North State, a product of the WPA; and A New Geography of North Carolina.

The tri-color front cover is printed on 80# card stock and has been protected with a vinyl sheet. The text is printed single-sided on 60# opaque paper, with the print enlarged to fit the 8.5" x 11" paper and improve readability.

Towns mentioned in the booklet include: ALLEGHENY -- Sparta (county seat), Twin Oaks, Roaring Gap, and Laurel Springs. ASHE -- Jefferson (county seat), Ashland, Bina, Warrensville, Crumpler, Scottsville, Smethport, Sturgills and West Jefferson. These mountain counties contain many small villages. The National Association of Counties lists 50 places in Ashe County this year.

Among the many subjects included are: Geological and Physical features, such as the New and Little Rivers, and Peachbottom and other mountains; Members of the General Assembly from Ashe County before 1851; Samuel Ashe; Blue Ridge Parkway; Early settlers; Civil War Days; Agriculture, industry and tourism; the Doughton family; the Marion family's ham business; Education and religion; Stories about names; Unusual water, a school with its own farm, sugar b'ilin', how a fire transformed Sparta, land at a nickel an acre, a mountain named for a slave, and other interesting bits of history and trivia. The WPA section offers a nostalgic glimpse of the area from a 1939 vantage point, offering historical notes and sightseeing possibilities.

Our North Carolina booklets are a good resource for learning about the history, geography and social climate of places where you or your ancestors have lived or places you plan to visit.

Wouldn't this make a unique gift?