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The geographic heart of North Carolina, Randolph County has been at the crossroads of history since the 17th century, when explorers first arrived along the Great Indian Trading Path. Every variety of religion, creed, and color could be found in the county from its creation in 1779, with combinations that often proved volatile. From the Uwharrie Mountains in the west to the Deep River Valley on the east, Randolph County has been home to powerful opposing forces. It is a county where potters are more common than doctors. It is home to five of North Carolina's first textile mills, yet it remains one of the state's leading agricultural producers. Its residents refused to secede from the Union but sent six companies into Confederate service. Although settled by pacifist Quakers, bitter guerrilla warfare pitted neighbor against neighbor in both the American Revolution and the Civil War. A dry county that permits no sales of alcoholic beverages, it fostered the racing spirit of NASCA R by running moonshine along its back roads. It is a county with a history, politics, and people of vision, depth, and complexity.

John Prendergast's account of the Cromwellian settlement of Ireland contains the following specific genealogical information: (1) certificates or letters of dispensation naming a number of the Irish exiles and their families; (2) various account books, arranged by barony, identifying several hundred Adventurers and showing the location and value of the Irish land they were awarded; and (3) a list of more than 1,350 Adventurers (or their widows), giving their occupations and subscriptions.

Settled by pioneers from the South, Randolph County was organized in 1818 and named for a county in North Carolina. Winchester has always been the county seat, and the countys other incorporated towns owe their continued existence to the coming of the railroads between 1852 and 1882. In its earliest years, Randolph County became known for its abolitionism and work for temperance. In the years after the Civil War, the countys power grew economically and politically. The early 20th century witnessed a burgeoning manufacturing sector, and transportation was made easier through widespread use of steam railroads, electric interurban cars, and the automobile.

Randolph County began as an agricultural community and gradually industrialized as farmers left the fields for the factories and women left their kitchens for the sewing plant. This book celebrates a panorama of 175 years of life in Randolph County through a collection of photographs primarily from its citizens. Some individuals featured in the book are more prominent than others, but all helped fill Randolph County with Southern charm, gentility, and hospitality.