Remembering Herb Young
Cary, NC – It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Herb Young, Cary Town Councilman, volunteer and sports icon. He was 84. Read more
Posts
Saying Goodbye to Andy Griffith
Story by Gordon and Marcia Mercer.
Cary, NC – “An actor who never looked like he was acting, a moral compass who saved as many souls as most preachers, and an entertainer who put more smiles on more faces than almost anyone; this was as successful a life as is pretty much possible.” – Brad Paisley, in tribute to Andy Griffith. Read more
July 4: Retiring a Worn Flag
Story by Hal Goodtree. Photo by Richard Eriksson.
Cary, NC – With July 4th just around the corner, many people in Cary will be flying the U.S. flag. But is your flag in fit condition? And what can you do if it is not? Read more
History: The Real Story of Pocahantas
Story by Gordon Mercer, professor emeritus at Western Carolina University and Marcia Gaines Mercer, published author and columnist.
“Pocahontas is one of those historical characters who comes across to us eternally embalmed in some legend rather than a person in her own right and in her own humanity.” – Noel B. Gerson Read more
Real Estate: House on the Move
Story and photos by Lindsey Chester.
Cary, NC – If you woke up early last Saturday, you might have witnessed a house driving down Kildaire Farm Road to its new location on East Cornwall. Read more
Kids Together Park: 12 Anniversary Celebration
Story by Marla Dorrel, president of Kids Together Inc.
Cary, NC – Without the dreams of two little girls who wished to create a place where children of all abilities could play together, Kids Together Playground never would have been built. The playground celebrates its 12th anniversary this Sunday, June 3, 2012. Read more
Railroading: Day Trip to Salisbury
Story and pictures by Tam Richert.
Two hours by train from Cary, the town of Salisbury, North Carolina is steeped in history and small town charm. Read more
Pictures: National Train Day in Cary
Story by Hal Goodtree. Photos by Brooke Meyer and Hal Goodtree.
Cary, NC – National Train Day rolled into Cary on Saturday. The weather was perfect, the band played, flags snapped to attention and the enthusiastic crowd cheered as the big train pulled into Cary. Read more
History: A Man Named Raleigh
Story by Gordon Mercer and Marcia Mercer. Pictures from WikiMedia.
“Fear not to touch the best; The truth shall be thy warrant: Go, since I needs must die…” Sir Walter Raleigh, 1554-1618
As Sir Walter Raleigh was sentenced to death on charges of plotting against King James of England and attacking a Spanish outpost in Guiana, he knew the real reason for his imminent beheading was his failure to return from the New World with vast riches.
Raleigh was an adventurer, writer, explorer, poet and soldier for whom North Carolina’s Capital is named. He was twice imprisoned in the famed ‘Tower of London’ and eventually beheaded.
Did Raleigh deserve his fate? Read more
Civil War History: Battle of Morrisville Station Remembered
Story and photos by Hal Goodtree.
Morrisville, NC – The Town of Morrisville dedicated a Civil War marker on Friday, commemorating the Battle of Morrisville, quite possibly the last engagement of the Civil War.
Battle of Morrisville Civil War Marker
On Friday evening, Morrisville Mayor Jackie Holcombe and Town Council dedicated a Civil War historical plaque in front of the entrance to Town Hall.
The Battle of Morrisville, April 13-15 1865, is actually classified as an “engagement.” Union troops, rolling west from capturing Raleigh, shelled the Morrisville railroad junction. Confederate troops fought a delaying action with cavalry and infantry as they tried to evacuate wounded soldiers as well as supplies to the west. The Page House in Morrisville, recently designated a Wake County Historical Site, still has bullet holes and artillery scars in the brick chimney from the battle.
The Battle of Morrisville may have been the last official engagement of the Civil War. Confederate General Joe Johnston was in contact with Union General William T. Sherman, setting the stage for their April 17th meeting at Bennet Farm in Durham and the largest surrender of rebel forces during the War. Lee had already surrendered at Appomatox and Lincoln was dead.
The marker, dedicated on the 147th anniversary of the engagement, now officially puts Morrisville on the North Carolina Civil War Trail, as well it should be.
More info from local historians:
- Battle at Morrisville Station (John Guss)
- The Battle of Morrisville (Ernest Dollar)
