When we last left Will Banks, he had been convicted of murder in what many then and now… Read More
The hanging of Will Banks
Will Banks, a son of slaves, was born in 1875 in the Crumpler community of Ashe County, NC…. Read More
A series of ironic twists: The life of William Sidney Porter
You’ve probably heard the story about the young couple who were short on money but who desperately want… Read More
The legend of Sister Sophie
Humble beginnings often lead to humility and a life of service. One legendary example is a woman know… Read More
Branch Lettuce time
Some folks call Spring in the mountains Green Up time. As Winter releases its grip (begrudgingly!), the hills… Read More
The Old North State’s Finest Son
Our story begins in the southwestern part of NC…and ends only 8 miles south of his birthplace. Zeb… Read More
The rare air of the Cloudland Hotel
Frequent visitors to the area attempting to escape the summer heat led Union Civil War General John T…. Read More
Doc’s impact is still felt around the world
While Doc always insisted he was just a regular person, a man of the people, but people growing… Read More
How Arthel became “Doc” Watson
Arthel Watson embodied that classic Southern phrase: “Don’t get above your raising.” Folks from the North misinterpret its… Read More
The Blizzard of ’93 in the mountains of NC!
The Great Blizzard of ’93 was a massive storm that formed over the Gulf of Mexico on March… Read More