Hurricane Helene: Appalachian History

The rich history of Williamston lives in the memories and memorabilia passed through generations of individuals. Williamston's raconteurs tell vivid tales of energizing spring water; a thriving community of hotels, restaurants, and theaters; and a school system reaching unbelievable heights. Founded by West Allen Williams near a natural mineral spring in 1842, the town of Williamston beckons for all to hear its history and soak in its rejuvenating heritage of trust, hope, and assurance. The town grew to accommodate travelers who arrived by train to partake of its medicinal waters. Many stayed in the Mammoth Hotel, the largest building in South Carolina at the time of its construction. The Civil War brought an end to this era of prosperity, but the turn of the 20th century saw the rise of cotton mills on the banks of the nearby Saluda River. This book unveils the timeless tapestry of Williamston's past--a history woven through time that unites people from all walks of life.

Nestled between Pilot Mountain and the Blue Ridge
Mountains, Yadkin County, North Carolina, is a beautiful region inhabited by energetic, hardworking
Americans, descendants of the pioneers who settled there over two hundred years ago. A rural setting that is close to major metropolitan areas, the county's special appeal is its unique way of incorporating change while preserving its heritage and family values. Yadkin County: The First One Hundred Years will be enjoyed by older generations as a trip down memory lane; appreciated by younger generations as a glimpse of an era when life was harder, but perhaps simpler; and treasured by residents and visitors of all ages. It graciously
reminds us of the importance of learning history to help us understand our past and succeed in the future as we deal with the computer age and move toward the twenty-first century.

The biggest meteor shower of the century filled the sky in the winter of 1833, and Yancey County came into being that December.

It is a place of fierce independence, astounding natural beauty, and civic pride. Nestled amidst the Black Mountains, the county boasts 19 peaks above 6,000 feet, including Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak in the Eastern United States. Archaeological excavations trace human history in Yancey County as far back as the Paleo-Indian period, 9000 to 10,000 BC, based on regional dates. Families have flourished for many generations along the Cane and Toe Rivers in a mineral-rich land dotted with fresh springs and free-flowing creeks. Named for statesman and orator Bartlett Yancey, the county is characterized by streets and areas with delightful names, such as Barking Dog, Bee Log, and Merry Bear Lane. The citizens are descended from ancestors who fought on both sides of the War between the States. Working the county's land of plenty has given them ginseng, galax, tobacco, ramps, and a cornucopia of fine foods.