The rich agricultural land of northeastern North Carolina was originally settled in the mid-18th century and, in 1777, divided into two counties: Edgecombe and Nash. In 1818, the Battle family established a textile mill that remained in operation for more than 175 years and became the basis for the city of Rocky Mount. The Atlantic Coastline Railroad chose the area as its repair shop in 1899 and, at the turn of the 20th century, the area was booming. Diverse communities produced outstanding educators, groundbreaking physicians, and business leaders. Residents included Olympians, baseball hall of famer Buck Leonard, and basketball greats Phil Ford and Buck Williams. Creative citizens became award-winning musicians, painters, and writers, like novelist Kaye Gibbons and entertainer Kaye Kyser. Military service in conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the Iraq War included generals, admirals, and a Medal of Honor recipient. Legendary Locals of Edgecombe and Nash Counties celebrates some of the individuals who have left their mark.

Edgecombe County is a unique combination of beautiful pastoral scenery and strong, interesting people. Communities like Pinetops, Whitakers, Speed, Leggett, and Conetoe provide an excellent insight into the struggles and triumphs of traditional American small towns. In this highly anticipated second volume, you will explore the social identity of Edgecombe County by taking visual tours of several historic neighborhoods, schools, and churches. As with any successful region, Edgecombe County's greatest resource is its people, for the area has provided a wealth of talented citizens to the political arena, military battlefronts, the playing fields of professional sports, and the artistic community. This collection of images also honors the countless men and women who persevered through the county's periods of war, depression, and natural disaster and continued to support one another in times of need and adversity.