Tour NC With Me - Fayetteville

The largest city in Cumberland County, North Carolina is Fayetteville. The butt of bad jokes, the city fathers have been working hard to lose the “Fayette-Nam” designation.

Fayetteville is a military town, and proud of it. It has been the home of Ft. Bragg, one of America’s largest bases since 1918. Col. E.P. King and Dr. T. Wayland Vaughand scouted the area and found it to be a good location for a military base. First named Camp Bragg for Braxton Bragg who served in the U. S. and Confederate armies, the name was later changed to Ft. Bragg.

During the last round of base closings, the BRAC Commission has decided to expand Ft. Bragg and eliminate Pope AFB altogether.

This part of the Sandhills was settled in the early 1700’s by the Highland Scots. Making the area between the Cross Creek River and the Cape Fear home, they found that the climate was warm and the soil was good for planting. In November of 1762, the Assembly in New Bern named the town Cambellton after an influential planter, politician and friend of the colonial govenor, John Campbell.

Later, the name was changed to Fayetteville after the Marquis de Lafayette. Although a number of towns in America were named after the Marquis, Fayetteville, NC was the only town he actually visited.

The Cape Fear River brought river trade to the area. It was the principal transport route to the interior of North Carolina. During colonial times, North Carolina was among the fastest growing areas. The long-leaf pine, indigenous to the Sandhills, was found to be an ideal provider of pine tar or sap. This quickly turned into a booming naval store industry because the crude sap was used to waterproof everything from hulls of ships to cloth and leather.

Fayetteville burned twice before the civil war and again by Sherman during. The residents always found the will to rebuild. After the war, Fayetteville rebound as a commercial center and prospered during the “plank road age.

Today the city is booming and driving through you can see housing developments and apartment buildings under construction everywhere. Among the many attractions is the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, opened August of 2000. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

Another “must see” attraction is the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens on 85 acres between the Cape Fear Rive and the Cross Creek. It has three miles of nature trails and more than 2000 varieties of perennials, annuals, native species, shrubs and trees.

The Market House, located in downtown Fayetteville on Hay street was rebuilt on the site of the destroyed State House. In 1789, North Carolina ratified the U. S. Constitution on this site. The ground floor of the Market House was used as a farmers market and the upper floor was used as the town hall.

With centuries of history, including Civil War Trail Sites, Fayetteville has an interesting American story to tell. Today, the city continues to offer numerous educational and entertainment venues. By the numbers, these include 26 historic sites and churches, 7 museums, 3 colleges and universities and 5 art galleries.

If you have never visited Fayetteville, plan a trip and expect to be pleasantly surprised, the “Nam” is rapidly giving way to the “ville”.

Events and Festivals for next weekend September 1-3:

14th Annual "Allison" White Marlin Release Tournament
9/1/2006 - 9/3/2006

Pirate’s Cove. Registration: September 1st. Auction: September 2nd. Fishing: September 2nd and 3rd.

35th Annual Smoky Mountain Folk Festival
9/1/2006 - 9/2/2006

In Waynesville -The festival offers two nights of the finest traditional music and dance of the Southern Appalachian Region, including fiddler's, banjo players, string bands and square dance teams.

First Friday Family Jazz
9/1/2006 - 9/1/2006

In Wilmington - The swinging sounds of live jazz will be heard under the ancient Airlie Oak the first Friday night of each month. Tonight's guest is Loose Change. $8.00 per person, children under 12 free.

Hammered Dulcimer Music
9/1/2006 - 9/2/2006

In Chimney Rock - Topic/Presenter: Featured artist, John Mason Cost: Free with Park admission

Old-Fashioned Farmer's Day
9/1/2006 - 9/3/2006

In Siler city - Fun-filled activities for the entire family: antique cars, tractors, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, contests, summertime picnic food, displays, demonstrations, petting farm, and much more.

The Man Show
9/1/2006 - 9/30/2006

In Marion - An exhibition of over 30 local artisans in McDowell county showcase their work.

Pinehurst Food & Wine Festival
8/31/2006 - 9/4/2006

Starting with a wine makers reception and dinner, there will be wine tastings, seminars and cooking demonstrations for guests of Pinehurst Resort. On Saturday only, there will be a "Day Package" open to anyone that includes wine tasting, lunch and cooking demonstrations.

Free Day at the Garden
9/2/2006 - 9/2/2006

In Fayetteville - stroll 85 acres where the Cape Fear River meets the Cross Creek. Features an array of specialty gardens

NCSU vs. Appalachian State
9/2/2006 - 9/2/2006

In Raleigh - College football game.