text:
La Grange, North Carolina

La Grange is a town in Lenoir County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,873 based on the 2010 census. La Grange is located in North Carolina's Inner Banks region.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.3 sqmi, of which 2.3 sqmi is land and 0.44% is water.

History
La Grange was named for the French estate of the Marquis de Lafayette, the Château de la Grange-Bléneau. The Herring House, La Grange Presbyterian Church, and La Grange Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,595 people, 1,133 households, and 732 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,844 people, 1,211 households, and 768 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,256.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,330 housing units at an average density of 587.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 42.86% White, 55.03% African American, 0.35% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.91% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.

There were 1,211 households, out of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% were married couples living together, 19.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 33.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.6% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $28,304, and the median income for a family was $38,068. Males had a median income of $26,581 versus $20,212 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,436. About 14.4% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.6% of those under age 18 and 15.0% of those age 65 or over.

Schools
La Grange is served by three Public schools which are operated by the Lenoir County Public School system. They include North Lenoir High School, E.B. Frink Middle School and La Grange Elementary School. Higher education is provided through a local branch of Lenoir Community College.

The community was home to La Grange Colored High School. Emmett Bentley Frink was its principal.

Library
The Neuse Regional Library system is headquartered in Kinston and operates a branch in La Grange.

Passenger

 * Air: La Grange is served by the nearby Kinston Regional Jetport . Raleigh-Durham International Airport (code RDU) is the closest major airport, with service to more than 45 domestic and international destinations.
 * I-95 is the closest Interstate Highway to La Grange and is located 40 miles west of the town.
 * The closest Amtrak station is located in Selma.

Roads

 * The main highway in La Grange is US 70, which offers access to the North Carolina coast and I-95.
 * NC 903 is the other highway that runs through the town.

Local events
The Garden Spot Festival is a yearly event that is held from September 7–9. The event includes live bands, food, and artistic performances.

Notable people

 * The Corsairs, Doo-wop quartet consisting of brothers Jay "Bird," James and Moses Uzzell with cousin George Wooten
 * Frank Lucas, famous drug lord and subject of a 2007 motion picture American Gangster
 * Sam Shepherd, Venezuelan Olympic basketball player

title: La Grange, North Carolina


text:
Talk:Ventriloquism

Vocal technique?
The section on "vocal technique" doesn't describe the vocal technique of ventriolquy, it simply presents one of the problems encountered. This section needs to be fleshed-out considerably. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.95.43.253 (talk) 00:31, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

"The noises produced by the stomach were thought to be the voices of the unliving"?
The current text on Origins includes this passage:

"Originally, ventriloquism was a religious practice. The name comes from the Latin for 'to speak from the stomach: Venter (belly) and loqui (speak). The Greeks called this gastromancy (Greek: εγγαστριμυθία).[citation needed] The noises produced by the stomach were thought to be the voices of the unliving, who took up residence in the stomach of the ventriloquist."

This sounds wild—does anyone have a citation for this? The closest thing I could find from a quick search is in C.B. Davis's "Distant Ventriloquism: Vocal Mimesis, Agency and Identity in Ancient Greek Performance," an article in Theater Journal Volume 55 No. 1 pp. 45-65, from March 2003. Skimming, it looks like the article argues (among other things) that the older Greek term, engastrimuthos, may have meant a swallowed spirit, rather than a medium who claims to speak for a spirit. It also references a humorous story from a dialog called Lexiphanes, written by Lucian, partly in support of this reading of the word. This doesn't seem to support the claim that the voices were "thought to be the voices of the unliving," or that ventriloquism was a religious practice. JoeACecil (talk) 00:10, 27 April 2024 (UTC)

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Talk:Ventriloquism


text:
Pink Hill, North Carolina

Pink Hill is a town in Lenoir County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 451 at the 2020 census.

History
The town was incorporated in 1915.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.5 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 451 people, 247 households, and 144 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 520 people, 206 households, and 142 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,112.5 PD/sqmi. There were 233 housing units at an average density of 497.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 62.96% White, 25.91% African American, 13.63% Hispanic or Latino, 0.19% Asian, 0.77% Pacific Islander, 9.98% from other races, and 0.19% from two or more races.

There were 206 households, out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.1% were married couples living together, 18.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 26.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $32,656, and the median income for a family was $39,583. Males had a median income of $25,536 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,730. About 16.3% of families and 20.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.3% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
The Eagle Nest and Hebron Presbyterian Church are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Wilbur A. Tyndall Tractor Museum has a collection of John Deere, Massey, and other tractors from various years.

Education

 * Pink Hill Elementary School

title: Pink Hill, North Carolina


text:
Boger City, North Carolina

Boger City is a neighborhood of the city of Lincolnton in Lincoln County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 554 at the 2000 census, at which time it was erroneously listed as a census-designated place.

Boger City was an independent town before 1986, when it was annexed by Lincolnton.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the Boger City CDP had a total area of 0.7 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 554 people, 227 households, and 152 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 784.5 PD/sqmi. There were 234 housing units at an average density of 331.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.34% White, 7.25% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.18% Pacific Islander, 4.33% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.16% of the population.

There were 227 households, out of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 24.4% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $34,286, and the median income for a family was $43,542. Males had a median income of $31,917 versus $16,989 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,432. About 12.7% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Boger City, North Carolina


text:
Lincolnton, North Carolina

Lincolnton is a city in Lincoln County, North Carolina, United States within the Charlotte metropolitan area. The population was 10,486 at the 2010 census. Lincolnton is northwest of Charlotte, on the South Fork of the Catawba River. The city is the county seat of Lincoln County.

History
This area was long occupied by varying cultures of indigenous peoples; the first Americans settled the area after the American Revolution in the late 18th century.

In June 1780 during the American Revolutionary War, the future site of Lincolnton was the site of the Battle of Ramsour's Mill, a small engagement in which local Loyalists were defeated by pro-independence forces. Some historians consider the battle significant because it disrupted Loyalist organizing in the region at a crucial time.

After the Revolution, the legislature organized a new county by splitting this area from old Tryon County (named in the colonial era for a royally appointed governor). The 1780 battle site was chosen for the seat of Lincoln County. The new city and the county were named for Major General Benjamin Lincoln, who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

The Piedmont area was developed for industry, based on using the water power from the streams and rivers there. With the advantage of the South Fork of the Catawba, Lincolnton was the site of the first textile mill in North Carolina, constructed by Michael Schenck in 1813. It was the first cotton mill built south of the Potomac River. Cotton processing became a major industry in the area. St. Luke's Episcopal Church was founded in 1841.

During the American Civil War, Lincoln County had many residents who either joined or were conscripted to the Confederate Army. Among them was Major General Stephen Dodson Ramseur, who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Cedar Creek in Virginia in the final year of the war. His body was returned to Lincolnton for burial. Episcopal missionary bishop Henry C. Lay spent the final months of the Civil War in the town. Union forces occupied Lincoln County on Easter Monday, 1865, shortly before the close of the war.

As county seat and a center of the textile industry, city residents prospered on the returns from cotton cultivation. The city has numerous properties, including churches, which have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since the late 20th century. It has three recognized historic districts: Lincolnton Commercial Historic District, South Aspen Street Historic District, and West Main Street Historic District. These were centers of the earliest businesses and retail activities. There was much activity around the Lincoln County Courthouse on court days, when farmers typically came to town to trade and sell their goods.

Residences, churches and other notable buildings marked the development of the city; they include the Caldwell-Cobb-Love House, Emanuel United Church of Christ, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Eureka Manufacturing Company Cotton Mill, First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, Methodist Church Cemetery, Lincolnton Recreation Department Youth Center, Loretz House, Old White Church Cemetery, Pleasant Retreat Academy, Shadow Lawn, St. Luke's Church and Cemetery, and Woodside.

In 1986, Lincolnton expanded by annexing the town of Boger City.

Geography
Lincolnton is in central Lincoln County in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. U.S. Route 321, a four-lane freeway, passes through the east side of the city, leading north 20 mi to Hickory and south 15 mi to Gastonia. North Carolina Highway 27 is Lincolnton's Main Street and leads southeast 20 mi to Mount Holly and west 16 mi to Toluca. Charlotte is 37 mi southeast of Lincolnton via US 321 and Interstate 85.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.6 km2, of which 22.4 km2 are land and 0.2 sqkm, or 0.93%, are water. The city is sited on the northeastern side of the South Fork of the Catawba River, which flows southeast to join the Catawba River at the South Carolina border. Clark Creek joins the South Fork in the northwestern part of the city.

Government and politics
Lincolnton is governed by a mayor and four-member city council, who hire a city manager to oversee day-to-day governance. City council members serve four-year terms and the mayor serves for two years. They are elected in partisan elections in odd-numbered years. Council members represent city wards in which they must reside, but are elected at-large. The mayor conducts city meetings, normally the first Thursday of each month, and votes only in case of a tie.

Lincolnton government has traditionally been run solely by Democrats, but currently has a bipartisan government for the first time in its history. The city electorate narrowly backed Democrat Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election. The rest of Lincoln County has generally leaned Republican, and heavily favored Republican John McCain in the 2008 election.

Edward L. Hatley (D) was elected as mayor in 2015. Hatley previously served as a member of the Lincoln County Board of Education. Lincolnton's City Council Members are Tim Smith(R) of Ward 1, David M. Black (D) of Ward 2, Dr. Martin A. Eaddy (D) of Ward 3, and Roby Jetton (R) of Ward 4. Council Members Smith, Black and Dr. Eaddy had their terms expire in 2017. The term of Council Member Jetton expired in 2019.

In 2018, Mary Frances White (D) became the first black elected official in Lincoln County's history.

Media
Lincolnton is home to one print newspaper and one radio station as well as a range of online news sites and blogs. The Lincoln Times-News was formed in the early 1960s by a merger between two much older publications. Based in historic downtown Lincolnton, the family-owned newspaper covers all of Lincoln County, for which it is the legal paper of record. WLON radio went on the air in the late 1950s or early 1960s and provides coverage of Lincolnton High School football every Friday night, as well as Atlanta Braves, NC State Wolfpack, and UNC Tar Heels sports events. The online Lincoln Tribune was founded about six years ago with a print edition, but has since become an exclusively online publication. Two free-distribution weekly papers News@Norman and Denver Weekly operate only in the eastern portion of Lincoln County. An on-line web paper, Lincoln Herald, began publishing in August 2012.

Demographics
The city has grown since 1980 as part of the Charlotte metropolitan area expansion.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census there were 11,091 people, 4,668 households, and 2,652 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 10,683 people, 3,878 households, and 2,943 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,219.4 PD/sqmi. There were 4,146 housing units at an average density of 507.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 65.98% White, 24.49% African American, 0.41% Asian, 0.33% Native American, 4.15% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.87% of the population.

There were 3,878 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% were married couples living together, 15.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.6% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,684, and the median income for a family was $39,949. Males had a median income of $29,615 versus $21,768 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,667. About 14.4% of families and 17.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.4% of those under age 18 and 15.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
High schools
 * East Lincoln High School
 * Lincoln Charter school
 * Lincolnton High School
 * North Lincoln High School
 * West Lincoln High School

Middle schools
 * East Lincoln Middle School
 * Lincoln Charter School
 * Lincolnton Middle School
 * North Lincoln Middle School
 * West Lincoln Middle School

Elementary schools:
 * Lincoln Charter School
 * Battleground Elementary School
 * GE Massey Elementary School
 * S Ray Lowder Elementary School
 * Love Memorial Elementary School
 * Norris S. Childers Elementary School
 * Pumpkin Center Elementary School
 * Pumpkin Center Intermediate School

Charter schools:
 * Lincoln Charter School

Colleges:
 * Gaston College: Lincolnton Campus

Notable people

 * Lester Andrews, chemist
 * Paul Bost, racecar driver
 * Dennis Byrd, member of College Football Hall of Fame
 * Jim Cleamons, professional basketball player, assistant coach with nine NBA championships
 * Charles L. Coon, teacher, school administrator, child labor reformer, and advocate for African American education
 * Drew Droege, actor
 * John Horace Forney, major general in Confederate States Army during American Civil War
 * Peter Forney, U.S. Representative from North Carolina and captain during Revolutionary War
 * William H. Forney, U.S. Representative from Alabama; grandson of Peter Forney, nephew of Daniel Munroe Forney, and brother of John Horace Forney
 * Charles A. Gabriel, 11th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
 * William Alexander Graham, U.S. Secretary of the Navy, U.S. senator, member of Confederate Senate, governor of North Carolina and Whig candidate for vice president of the United States
 * Connie Guion, pioneering female physician
 * James Pinckney Henderson, first governor of Texas, U.S. senator, lawyer, politician and soldier
 * Robert Hoke, Confederate major general who won Battle of Plymouth; businessman and railroad executive
 * William A. Hoke, associate justice and chief justice of North Carolina Supreme Court
 * Rufus Zenas Johnston, recipient of Navy Cross and Congressional Medal of Honor
 * Charles A. Jonas, politician and U.S. Representative from North Carolina
 * Charles R. Jonas, U.S. Representative from North Carolina
 * Devon Lowery, retired pitcher for Kansas City Royals
 * Candace Newmaker, killed during therapy session; her death received international coverage
 * Barclay Radebaugh, basketball coach at Charleston Southern University
 * Stephen Dodson Ramseur, Confederate major general mortally wounded at the Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia in 1864
 * Hiram Rhodes Revels, first African-American U.S. senator
 * Dick Smith, baseball player
 * Lula Warlick, nurse
 * C. J. Wilson, professional football player
 * Ken Wood, baseball player

title: Lincolnton, North Carolina


text:
Lowesville, North Carolina

Lowesville is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lincoln County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,945 at the 2010 census, up from 1,440 in 2000.

History
Mount Welcome was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

Geography
Lowesville is located in the southeast corner of Lincoln County. It is bordered to the south by Gaston County. North Carolina Highway 16, a four-lane freeway, passes through the east side of the community, leading northwest 24 mi to Newton and southeast 17 mi to Charlotte. It is paralleled by old Highway 16 (NC-16 Business), a two-lane road that runs through the center of Lowesville. Access to new Highway 16 is only from North Carolina Highway 73 at the northern end of the CDP or from NC-16 Business in Lucia, 2 mi south of the center of Lowesville. NC 73 forms the northern edge of the CDP; it leads east 9 mi to Interstate 77 in northern Huntersville and west 15 mi to Lincolnton, the Lincoln county seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Lowesville CDP has a total area of 17.6 km2, of which 0.02 sqkm, or 0.10%, are water. Killian Creek forms the western edge of the CDP, and Johnson Creek drains the eastern side of the community. The entire community is in the Catawba River watershed.

Lowesville uses the Stanley, North Carolina, 28164 ZIP code.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,440 people, 552 households, and 422 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 211.4 PD/sqmi. There were 589 housing units at an average density of 86.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.29% White, 6.53% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.83% Asian, and 0.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.60% of the population.

There were 552 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.5% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.4% were non-families. 19.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $51,333, and the median income for a family was $53,000. Males had a median income of $36,316 versus $24,280 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $28,072. About 5.9% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 10.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lowesville, North Carolina


text:
Westport, North Carolina

Westport is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Lincoln County, North Carolina, United States. The population of the CDP was 4,026 at the 2010 census, up from 2,006 at the 2000 census. The community's name comes from its location on the west side of Lake Norman.

Geography
Westport is located in the northeast corner of Lincoln County along several coves on the western shore of Lake Norman, a reservoir on the Catawba River. The southern border of the CDP is Graham Creek, while Burton Creek reaches into the center of the community. The eastern border of the CDP is the Lincoln County line in the center of Lake Norman, with Iredell County to the east.

North Carolina Highway 16 Business forms the western edge of the Westport CDP. The highway leads northwest 3.5 mi to Denver and south 5 mi to Lowesville. Downtown Charlotte is 24 mi to the southeast of Westport.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 14.5 km2, of which 9.5 km2 are land and 5.0 km2, or 34.54%, are water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 5,705 people, 1,586 households, and 1,321 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,006 people, 776 households, and 650 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 653.3 /mi2. There were 826 housing units at an average density of 269.0 /mi2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.01% White, 0.75% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.75% Asian, 0.05% from other races, and 0.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population.

There were 776 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.3% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.2% were non-families. 12.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 34.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $81,232, and the median income for a family was $82,422. Males had a median income of $51,571 versus $31,016 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $34,189. About 2.7% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.7% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Westport, North Carolina


text:
Franklin, North Carolina

Franklin is a town in and the county seat of Macon County, North Carolina, United States. It is situated within the Nantahala National Forest. The population was reported to be 4,175 in the 2020 census, an increase from the total of 3,845 tabulated in 2010.

The town developed around a 1,000-year-old platform mound, the center of the historic Cherokee town of Nikwasi. Franklin is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, specifically in relation to the Nantahala National Forest, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Appalachian Trail. The town and the surrounding area is rich in gems and minerals, and is known locally as the "Gem Capital of The World."

Cherokee influence
Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area was home to tribes within the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee called this area Nikwasi, or "center of activity". Nikwasi was an ancient and important Cherokee town, centered around an ancient platform mound believed to be at least 1000-years-old. The Cherokee built their Council House on top of the mound. In the 21st century, the remains of Nikwasi Mound are still visible in downtown Franklin. It was privately owned until Franklin purchased the site in 1946 and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. In 1819, the Cherokee were forcibly relocated to the Qualla Boundary, which today is the home the federally recognized tribe of the Eastern Band of Cherokee.

European settlement
The city was named by European-American settlers for Jesse Franklin, one of two state commissioners who surveyed and organized the town in 1820 as the county seat, for what would become Macon County in 1828. Jesse Franklin was later elected by the state legislature as the United States Senator from North Carolina (popular election of senators did not become custom until the 20th century). He was later elected and served North Carolina as its 20th governor. The city of Franklin was not formally incorporated until 1855.

In August 1923, Franklin's first hospital opened. Three years later the first permanent hospital in North Carolina west of Asheville was constructed downtown and named Angel Brothers Hospital. It was renamed Angel Hospital in 1940 and expanded in 1957, 1977, and 1991. A new $68 million Angel Medical Center was built and opened in 2022 on the east side of town.

In 1946, the people of Franklin raised money to buy the site of Nikwasi Mound and vowed to preserve it. Schoolchildren were among those who donated money to buy it from one of the many private owners who had held it since the Cherokee were forced from their historic town.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.9 sqmi, of which 3.8 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi  (0.78%) is water.

The Cullasaja River from Highlands flows into the Little Tennessee River at Franklin. Franklin and Macon County have numerous waterfalls and hiking trails.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,175 people, 1,817 households, and 1,030 families residing in the town.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,845 people, 1,627 households, and 899 families residing in the town. The population density was 911.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,916 housing units at an average density of 500.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 82.3% White, 1.9% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.01% of the population.

There were 1,627 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.7% were married couples living together, 12.4% were a single person household and 44.7% were non-families. 40.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.3% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 23.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $30,425. Males had a median income of $33,957 versus $27,363 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,761. About 15.2% of families and 20.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.4% of those under age 18 and 16.2% of those age 65 or over.

Growth and cost of living
Franklin's rate of population growth is 12% higher than the national average. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Franklin is situated more than one hour from Asheville. It is two hours from Atlanta, Georgia; Knoxville, Tennessee; or Greenville, South Carolina. Due to its proximity to these major cities, combined with a relatively rural location and lower cost of living, Franklin has developed as a destination for persons seeking retirement, recreational, permanent, or second homes. The 2010 cost-of-living index in Franklin: 86.7 (less than average, U.S. average is 100).

Climate
In the summer Franklin has temperatures in the lower 80s, while during the winter temperatures rarely fall below the upper teens.

The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 84.50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 24.00 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 22 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation in Franklin is 54.47 inches and rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is March with an average rainfall of 5.76 inches.

Hiking
The mountains that surround Franklin are lined with many hiking trails including the famous Appalachian Trail. The AT runs north and south, passing 10 miles west of Franklin; it can be accessed at many locations in the area. Some 40 miles of side trails interlace with the AT in the region as well.

Another, lesser known trail also passes through the area: Bartram Trail, named for American botanist William Bartram, who documented the native flora and fauna of the area in 1775. Bartram Trail climbs into the hills of the Franklin area; hikers may follow the explorer's footsteps and discover the exuberant natural world in which he took such delight.

Both the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail cross over Wayah Bald, one of the best known places in the Franklin area for sightseeing.

Gem mining
The Franklin area is famous for its gem mining. Franklin hosts the jewelry and gem show, "Macon County Gemboree", twice a year. The Cowee Valley north of Franklin attracts thousands of visitors annually to its mines, which continue to yield valuable stones. There are also other gem mines located throughout the area. Among the native stones found are ruby, sapphire, and garnets. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is free to the public and is noted for its exhibits.

Cullasaja Falls
Cullasaja Falls is a waterfall in Southwestern North Carolina. The waterfall is located on the Cullasaja River in the Nantahala National Forest and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning "honey locust place." The falls is the last major waterfall on the Cullasaja river. The falls is a long cascade over the course of 0.2 mi.

The height of the falls is given as 200 ft (61 m) in Kevin Adams' book, North Carolina Waterfalls and 250 ft (77.1 m) by NCWaterfalls.com. However, Google Earth gives a height (based on the elevation of the water at the top of the falls and the elevation of the plunge pool at the bottom of the falls) of 137 ft (42 m). The falls may be glimpsed by people driving along Highway 64, but it is difficult to see more fully from the road. The falls are located beside of a series of blind curves on with sheer rock cliffs above and below the road. A small pull-off is located near the falls, but walking on the road puts visitors in danger of being hit by a passing vehicle.

Dry Falls
Dry Falls, also known as Upper Cullasaja Falls, is a 65-foot (20.1 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest, northwest of Highlands, North Carolina. Dry Falls flows on the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. It is part of a series of waterfalls on a 8.7 mi stretch of the river that eventually ends with Cullasaja Falls. Dry Falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk up under the falls and remain relatively dry when the waterflow is low, hence its name. Visitors will get wet if the waterflow is high. The falls has been called Dry Falls for a long time, but has also gone by a few other names, including High Falls, Pitcher Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. Dry Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 15.7 mi southeast of Franklin, North Carolina. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park before walking the short path with stairs to the falls. The United States Forest Service has made improvements to the parking area and has reopened the public area.

Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a 45-foot (20.1 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest, southeast of Franklin. With a short curve of roadway that passes behind the falls, this is the only waterfall in the state where one can drive a vehicle under the water. Bridal Veil Falls flows on a tributary of the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. The falls flows over an overhanging bluff. Visitors can walk behind the falls and remain dry when the waterflow is low. During periods of drought, the stream may nearly dry up, though visitors will get wet if the waterflow is moderate or high.

Bridal Veil Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 16.5 mi southeast of Franklin. Highway 64 originally used the curve of roadway behind the falls exclusively, so that all traffic went behind them. But this caused problems with icing of the roadway during freezing weather, and Hwy. 64 has been re-routed around the front of the falls since. A parking area is located on the side of the road, so that visitors can park and view the falls from there.

In 2003, a massive boulder slid off the left side of the falls, blocking that side of the drive-under completely. However, in July 2007, that boulder was removed by a local developer.

Quarry Falls
Quarry Falls is a small waterfall (or perhaps large rapid in high water) located beside US Hwy. 64 southeast of Franklin, North Carolina. Known to locals as "Sliding Rock", it is best known for the large, deep pool at the bottom. It is a popular place for swimming during warm weather.

Scottish Tartans Museum
Franklin has been home to the Scottish Tartans Museum since 1994. It shows materials common to some of the Scots-Irish immigrants who settled in this area in the late eighteenth century and later.

Education
The local public school system is run by Macon County Schools. Franklin High School serves grades 9–12. Macon Early College is a high school that offers college classes. East Franklin Elementary school serves younger grades.

Media
The Franklin Press has been published weekly in Franklin since 1888. It is the oldest standing business in Macon County. The Press was preceded by four other Macon County newspapers: The Franklin Observer and The Western Carolinian (both of which began in 1860), the Macon Advance (started in 1877), and The Western Reporter (1880-1881). None of them lasted more than a few years.

Library
The Macon County Public Library, which is partially county funded but not part of county government, is part of the Fontana Regional Library system.

Macon County Airport
The Macon County Airport is located in the Iotla Valley, just north of Franklin, and reports ASOS weather station information as "Franklin" at :00, :20, and :40 past each hour.

Notable people

 * Shawn Bryson – played for the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions during his time in the NFL
 * Kevin Corbin – NC State Senator, also served two terms in the NC House of Representatives
 * Helen Wendler Deane – histophysiologist
 * Charles Frazier – author of award-winning novel Cold Mountain, was raised in Franklin
 * Alexander Key – novelist, lived for a time on Wayah Valley Road near Franklin

title: Franklin, North Carolina


text:
Hot Springs, North Carolina

Hot Springs is a town in Madison County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 520 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Asheville metropolitan statistical area. It is situated on the Appalachian Trail and French Broad River near the North Carolina-Tennessee border. Hot Springs is best known for its hiking trails, natural springs, and mountain town atmosphere.

History
Hot Springs is located at the confluence of the French Broad River and Spring Creek. A natural thermal spring is located there, the only hot spring known in North Carolina and in much of the southeastern United States. Thus, this area has long been a destination for those looking for therapeutic relief from their ailments. Native Americans were the first to discover and use the 108°F (42°C) mineral waters, and European immigrants settled the area over 200 years ago. It is reported that people were visiting the springs by 1778 for the waters' reported healing properties.

It was believed Jasper Dagy was the first owner of Warm Springs, as it was then called, and he sold it to William Neilson in 1791. Neilson built an inn, and Philip Hoodenpile built an estate and a ferry across the French Broad, as well as the toll road Jewel Hill Road. In 1828, a major road was constructed through the town, the Buncombe Turnpike, making the area more accessible.

By 1831, James Patton of Asheville bought the springs and had erected 350 room Warm Springs Hotel with its 13 tall columns representing the Thirteen Colonies in 1837. The dining room of this large hotel could seat 600 people. The railroad reached the village in 1882. The hotel burned in 1884 after 46 years of operation. Another hotel, called the Mountain Park, was built in 1886.

A higher temperature spring was found, prompting the changing of the town's name from Warm Springs to Hot Springs in 1886. Sixteen marble pools were surrounded by landscaped lawns with croquet and tennis courts, and it was known as one of the most lavish resorts in the Southeast. By May 1917, the hotel and grounds were leased to the US Government to be used as an internment camp. Many German and Austro-Hungarian internees, noncombatant aliens, made local friends and stayed in the region after World War I. That hotel burned in 1920, and two more were built—neither as large and opulent, and both later burned as well.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.5 sqmi, of which 3.2 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi  (8.96%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 520 people, 223 households, and 143 families residing in the town.

Economy
Today, the hot mineral springs are privately owned by a spa and private lodging rental businesses. Water is piped to outdoor tubs beside the river and Spring Creek. The town is a tourist destination, with the springs as well as abundant outdoor recreation. The Appalachian Trail runs along downtown's Bridge Street and climbs the mountains on either side of the river. Rafting and kayaking is popular on the French Broad River. There are numerous other hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, and sightseeing opportunities in the nearby Pisgah National Forest.

Hot Springs Historic District
Hot Springs Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places are Dorland Memorial Presbyterian Church, the Henry Ottinger House, and Sunnybank.

title: Hot Springs, North Carolina


text:
Mars Hill, North Carolina

Mars Hill is a town in Madison County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,869 at the 2010 census, and was estimated at 2,032 in 2018 by the U.S. Census. It is the home of Mars Hill University, the name of which was inspired by Acts 17:22. The town is located 15 mi due north of Asheville. Interstate 26 passes one mile east of the town. It is part of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Long occupied by indigenous peoples, this area was not settled by European Americans much before the American Revolutionary War. They were mostly yeomen and subsistence farmers, many of whom had Scots-Irish ethnicity. The California Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Mars Hill College Historic District, Mars Hill High School, and Thomas J. Murray House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.9 sqmi, all land. The town has an elevation of 2330 ft, so the climate of the area is considerably cooler than might be expected of a town in a southern state.

Higher education
Mars Hill University, a private, coed, liberal-arts college, is located in Mars Hill. Founded in 1856 by local Baptists, it is the oldest college or university in western North Carolina. Although it is no longer directly associated with a Baptist church or organization, the university does state that "it is an academic community rooted in the Christian faith." Due to the presence of the university, residents of the town of Mars Hill enjoy a much greater variety of cultural, intellectual, and entertainment offerings than would usually be found in a town of its size. The university's enrollment typically runs from 1300 to 1600 students; they are not included in the census calculations of the town's population.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,007 people, 742 households, and 440 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,764 people, 541 households, and 312 families residing in the town. The population density was 911.7 PD/sqmi. There were 586 housing units at an average density of 302.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 91.21% White, 5.95% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 0.85% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.36% of the population.

There were 541 households, out of which 20.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.1% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.3% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10 and the average family size was 2.68.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 11.7% under the age of 18, 43.1% from 18 to 24, 16.2% from 25 to 44, 15.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $32,917, and the median income for a family was $45,000. Males had a median income of $29,615 versus $23,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,366. About 11.1% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.1% of those under age 18 and 14.9% of those age 64 or over.

Notable people

 * John Chandler – educator
 * Tommy Hunter – fiddler
 * Bascom Lamar Lunsford – folklorist and performer of traditional folk and country music from Western North Carolina
 * Graham Martin – former United States Ambassador to South Vietnam
 * Ray Rapp – former member of the North Carolina General Assembly

title: Mars Hill, North Carolina


text:
Marshall, North Carolina

Marshall is a town in Madison County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 872 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Madison County.

Marshall is part of the Asheville metropolitan area.

The townsite of Marshall is blocked on one side by the French Broad River and on all other sides by steep mountainous terrain. Madison County residents say Marshall is "a block wide, a mile long, sky high and hell deep."

History
The Bank of French Broad, Capitola Manufacturing Company Cotton Yarn Mill, Madison County Courthouse, Marshall High School, Marshall Main Street Historic District, James H. White House, and Jeff White House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

During the Civil War, Marshall, as the seat of Confederate administration for Madison County, was the scene of conflict with the largely pro-Union rural population. On May 13, 1861, the election day for delegates to the state convention on secession from the Union, a man shot and killed the pro-secession county sheriff after a dispute in which the sheriff had shot the man's son.

Later, Confederate authorities restricted the distribution of salt, which was needed to preserve meat in the winter. In January 1863, a group of men raided the salt warehouse in Marshall, then proceeded to ransack the home of Colonel Lawrence Allen of the 64th North Carolina Regiment (the columned house below the courthouse dome in the Main Street photo).

In retaliation, the 64th North Carolina Regiment summarily executed 13 men and boys in the Shelton Laurel massacre.

From the 1950s to the 1980s, Marshall was the seat of the Ponder machine, which controlled all the patronage jobs in Madison County.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.8 sqmi, of which, 3.5 sqmi  is land and 0.3 sqmi  (6.91%) is water. Marshall is located on the eastern bank of the French Broad River, one of the major river systems of western North Carolina.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 777 people, 346 households, and 195 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 842 people, 390 households, and 225 families residing in the town. The population density was 240.1 /mi2. There were 443 housing units at an average density of 126.6 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 98.57% White, 0.48% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.12% from other races, and 0.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.60% of the population.

There were 390 households, out of which 23.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.2% were married couples living together, 15.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.3% were non-families. 37.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 21.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $24,188, and the median income for a family was $36,250. Males had a median income of $26,172 versus $22,875 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,245. About 13.7% of families and 23.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.6% of those under age 18 and 18.8% of those age 65 or over.

In the media
The Amazon Prime Video series The Peripheral shot scenes in the town on September 24, 2021.

Independent filmmakers Joel Haver and Dylan Dexter released the film 31 Days in Marshall, North Carolina in 2019. The film was shot entirely in Marshall in 2017, and features multiple townsfolk in both the cast as well as background musical talent.

Wiley Cash's 2012 debut novel, A Land More Kind Than Home, is set in Marshall and the surrounding area.

title: Marshall, North Carolina


text:
Bear Grass, North Carolina

Bear Grass is a town in Martin County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 73 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.3 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 53 people, 26 households, and 17 families residing in the town. The population density was 197.3 PD/sqmi. There were 28 housing units at an average density of 104.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 100.00% White.

There were 26 households, out of which 15.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.53.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 15.1% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 15.1% from 25 to 44, 37.7% from 45 to 64, and 24.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 76.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $24,375, and the median income for a family was $30,625. Males had a median income of $14,375 versus $38,333 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,562. There were 24.0% of families and 22.7% of the population living below the poverty line, including 41.7% of under eighteens and 44.4% of those over 64.

History
The town of Bear Grass, located in the southern part of Martin County, was named for the Bear Grass, a type of yucca (Yucca flaccida) that grows less than two feet in height and is found abundantly in the region. One of the first settlers to the area was John Swinson, who received a large tract of land from the Earl of Granville, the last Lord proprietor in 1761. Bear Grass Swamp was a part of this property and was mentioned in Swinson's deed. Many of the early settlers were farmers whose principal crops of cotton and corn were sold in towns along the Tar and Roanoke Rivers. Sheep, cattle, and hogs were also raised in large numbers and farmers often supplemented their income with shingle making, woodcrafts, and the production of tar and turpentine from the area's abundant forests.

Though the congregation of the Bear Grass Primitive Baptist Church organized in 1828, the Bear Grass community did not emerge until after the Civil War. A public school constructed of logs started by the late 1860s directly across the street from the existing school. Reuben H. Rogerson opened a general mercantile store in the 1880s, followed in the early 1900s by several additional general merchandise stores and a blacksmith shop. The community's development was hindered by it not being located along a navigable stream or on either of the railroad lines traversing Martin County. A post office was established in 1885, although it was closed less than two years later.

Records are limited, complicated by the fact that Bear Grass businesses were listed in directories with Williamston addresses because that was the nearest post office. But by the turn of the century, the community consisted of several legal distilleries, cotton gins, sawmills, grist mills and blacksmith shops. Reuben H. Rogerson's two story steam-powered sawmill and cotton gin was one of the area's largest before being destroyed by fire in November 1908.

The first decade of the 20th century witnessed considerable growth in the community. After several meetings in early 1909, the town's merchants drew up a charter and on February 16, 1909, the General Assembly granted a charter to the town of Bear Grass.

An unusual physical feature of the town is that, when incorporated, the boundary was a circle with a radius of 500 yards from a white oak "near a well at the stores of Rogers Brothers and Cowing [sic] Brothers." These limits remain today, making Bear Grass one of the few towns in the state laid out in this manner.

Local artist Henry C. Cowen created two statues that enliven the Bear Grass School campus. The "rampant bear" statue standing in front of the school was sculpted in 1981. The statue of George Washington in front of the Yucca House (formerly the Bear Grass School teacherage) was commissioned by the Bear Grass Ruritan Club in honor of the country's constitutional bicentennial in 1987. Cowen also produced several war memorial soldiers located on the corner of Green Street and Ayers Avenue.

Beginning in 2014, Bear Grass hosts the annual Chicken Mull Festival. Chicken mull is a local comfort food consisting of parboiled chicken, broth, crushed soda crackers, chopped boiled eggs and seasoning. The festival is held each year in the fall, and includes the sale of locally made goods, fundraisers for various local organizations, sale of chicken mull, and other festivities. Musical presentations by gospel, country and bluegrass bands are also included.

Education
Bear Grass Charter School

title: Bear Grass, North Carolina


text:
Everetts, North Carolina

Everetts is a town in Martin County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 164 at the 2010 census.

History
Everetts was named for a family of first settlers.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.5 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 179 people, 80 households, and 58 families residing in the town. The population density was 390.1 /mi2. There were 85 housing units at an average density of 185.2 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 67.04% White, 30.17% African American, 2.23% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.79% of the population.

There were 80 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.62.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.3% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 22.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $21,964, and the median income for a family was $25,938. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $17,188 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,390. About 13.1% of families and 16.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 2.8% of those 65 or over.

title: Everetts, North Carolina


text:
Hamilton, North Carolina

Hamilton is a town in Martin County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 408 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.5 sqmi, all land. It is located on the Roanoke River at the 60 Mile Mark.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 516 people, 191 households, and 145 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,070.0 PD/sqmi. There were 216 housing units at an average density of 447.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 44.38% White, 53.29% African American, 0.19% Pacific Islander, 1.55% from other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.49% of the population.

There were 191 households, out of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 20.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $23,625, and the median income for a family was $28,977. Males had a median income of $27,500 versus $16,563 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,832. About 18.2% of families and 24.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.8% of those under age 18 and 43.4% of those age 65 or over.

History
The town was founded in 1804 on the highest point of the Roanoke River.

The most significant historical event of early Hamilton was the battle and fall of Fort Branch, when Union vessels and troops came upriver from Plymouth (see Plymouth, North Carolina History) in an attempt to reach Weldon to cut off supplies to General Robert E. Lee during the Civil War. The fort protected Weldon until the day after the General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, whereupon the railroad line over the Weldon bridge had no more military significance. Afterwards, the fort was abandoned and the cannons were dumped into the Roanoke River by departing Confederate troops, and were only recently discovered. In July 1972, a group of men from Alabama came and began pulling cannons from the river. The group was accused of violating North Carolina's antiquities laws in an effort to keep the cannons in Martin County. The courts officially decided that the cannons belong to the state under the North Carolina Department of Archives and History. The department decided to permanently loan the artifact to Fort Branch.

The Historic Hamilton Commission, started in 1976, is in charge of 52 other historic sites in the county, including St. Martin's Episcopal Church. The church was established as a missionary station of the Episcopalian church in 1868. It was founded primarily by members of the Boyle family, such as Francis Atherton Boyle and Mary A. Boyle. St. Martin's was admitted to the Episcopal convention in 1873. Building began in 1879. All of the construction materials were from local suppliers, except the bell and stained glass, which were imported from Wales. The church was consecrated on May 17, 1882. The Rev. Dr. Watson preached the sermon; Bishop Lyman celebrated Holy Communion. The church is now inactive, but is still owned by the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina. This means it is still a consecrated church.

Another important site in Hamilton is the Rosenwald School. A black school funded by Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck and Co.,. During segregation, white schools had approximately five times the funding of the former. The Rosenwald Fund sought to provide support for these underprivileged schools. According to the Roanoke River Partners, The Rosenwald school will be remodeled and used as their headquarters. Hamilton is in the exact middle of the Roanoke River, making it a sensible location. Despite this, and years of taxpayer funding of the Roanoke River Partners, no concrete action has been taken to restore the building which is currently dilapidated.

Hamilton, once a thriving, beautiful Victorian port town with many of its homes listed in the National Historic Registry, had been in decline in recent years.

title: Hamilton, North Carolina


text:
Hassell, North Carolina

Hassell is a town in Martin County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 84 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.3 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 72 people, 32 households, and 20 families residing in the town. The population density was 266.2 /mi2. There were 33 housing units at an average density of 122.0 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 37.50% White, and 62.50% African American.

There were 32 households, out of which 15.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.8% were married couples living together, 15.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the town the population was spread out, with 19.4% under the age of 18, 1.4% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 25.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $12,250, and the median income for a family was $19,167. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $38,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,498. There were 33.3% of families and 30.0% of the population living below the poverty line, including 38.5% of under eighteens and 63.6% of those over 64.

title: Hassell, North Carolina


text:
Kubb

Kubb (pronounced in Swedish and Gutnish) is a lawn game where the objective is to knock over wooden blocks (kubbar) by throwing wooden batons (kastpinnar) at them. Kubb can be described as a combination of bowling and horseshoes. Play takes place on a small rectangular playing field, known as a "pitch". "Kubbs" are placed at both ends of the pitch, and the "king", a larger wooden block, is placed in the middle of the pitch. Some rules vary from country to country and from region to region, but the ultimate objective of the game is to knock over the "kubbs" on the opposing side of the pitch, and then to knock over the "king", before the opponent does. Games can last from five minutes to well over an hour. The game can be played on a variety of surfaces such as grass, sand, concrete, snow, or even ice.

Possible forebears
The features of kubb most distinguishing it from other pin-toppling games (such as bowling and skittles) are that 1) teams "own" opposite sides of the playing field, and 2) toppled pins are "recycled" back into play and may be tossed to opposite sides. Endrei & Zolnay briefly note an unnamed game, played in Poland "as early as the sixteenth century", which seems to exhibit both features.

Though differing from kubb in detail, kaisers, as published in Leipzig in 1800, displays most of the fundamental features of kubb, including team sides, recycled pins, a kingpin, and even the requirement to throw from behind one's own pins; though as in the Polish game, the main projectile is a ball rather than a baton.

The Karelian game kyykkä and the possibly Siberian game bunnock both feature team sides and (unlike the Polish game and kaisers) use versions of batons as projectiles rather than balls.

Though typologically related to kubb, no definite historical connection between these games and kubb has been shown.

Sweden
Sören Wallin has identified the Swedish game kägelkrig (as described in a 1911 encyclopedia ) as essentially the same as, and the forebear of, kubb. This game was known on the Swedish mainland at least as early as 1878, when it was described in Ungdomens Bok, a sort of Boys' Own Book.

Kägelkrig, the Polish game, and kaisers all seem to feature felled pins being thrown to the opponent side in order themselves to fell opponent pins, which is not a feature of contemporary kubb.

Gotland
Kubb was evidently unknown in Gotland in 1912, when a list of traditional Gotlandic games was drawn up, in conjunction with the Olympic Games (held in Stockholm that year). However, in 1931 a Gotlandic ethnologist, visiting the island of Fårö, just to the north of Gotland, recorded the earliest known use of the name "kubb" for this game, and it was played by residents of Gotland by at least the mid-20th century.

In the 1980s it became a local craze, leading to the first local commercial manufacturing efforts in the late 1980s. In 1995 a tournament was initiated in Rone, Gotland — the Kubb World Championship — somewhat ironically titled, as it was at this time still a thoroughly local affair. However, within only a few years, mainland and international teams were coming to Gotland to compete, and a major Swedish manufacturer was selling Kubb sets; in the 2000s Kubb spread to several European countries, as well as the USA and Canada. Large kubb tournaments now occur throughout Europe and the United States of America. Belgium alone held over 50 tournaments in 2012.

The Kubb World Championship takes place at the same time as "Medieval Week" in Visby (which has been "the island's main tourist magnet since the mid 1980s" ). Medieval Week also incorporated the playing of kubb, and this connection has likely motivated kubb's being marketed, both in the US and in Europe, with such unfounded appellations as "Viking Chess" and "Old Norse Viking outdoor game".

United Kingdom
UK Kubb, the national body for Kubb in the UK, was founded in 2006 by two enthusiasts, one of whom had learned the game when on holiday in Sweden. They organised a UK Kubb Championship which has been run annually since that time. The championship rules are adapted from those of the US National Championship rules.

Game pieces

Twenty-one or twenty-three game pieces are used in kubb:
 * Ten kubbs, rectangular wooden blocks 10–15 cm tall and 5–7 cm square on the end.
 * One king, a larger wooden piece 25–30 cm tall and 7–9 cm square on the end, sometimes adorned with a crown design on the top.
 * Six batons, 25–30 cm long and 2.5–4.4 cm in diameter.
 * Four or six field marking pins, four to designate the corners of the pitch, and, if there are six, two to mark the centreline.

Setup

According to the US Championship rules and World Championship rules, kubb is played on a rectangular pitch 5 metres by 8 metres. Corner stakes are placed so that a rectangle is formed. The center stakes are placed in the middle of the sidelines (long edges of the rectangle), which divides the pitch into two halves. No other markers are required to demarcate the field's boundaries, although markings that do not interfere with game play are allowed (such as chalk lines).

The king is placed upright in the center of the pitch, and the kubbs are placed on the baselines (short edges of the rectangle), five kubbs on each side equidistant from each other.

Kubbs starting the game on the baseline are referred to as base kubbs. The baseline should run through the center of the kubbs. For young children, the 8-meter pitch length can be shortened.

Rulesets
Two official tournament rulesets available for kubb are the World Championship rules and the U.S. National Championship rules.

U.S. National Championship ruleset overview

Kubb is played between two teams, which may or may not consist of only one person per team.

There are two phases for each team's turn:
 * 1) Team A throws the six batons (called Kastpinne/Kastpinnar in Swedish) from their baseline, at their opponent's lined-up kubbs (called baseline kubbs). Throws must be under-handed, and, if the batons spin, they must spin end over end at no more than 45 degrees from the vertical.  Throwing batons overhand, sideways or spinning them side-to-side (like a helicopter) is not allowed.
 * 2) Kubbs that are successfully knocked down by Team A are then thrown by Team B onto Team A's half of the pitch, and stood on end. These newly thrown kubbs are called field kubbs. The key objective is to keep them close to each other (as to be able to hit more than one with a single throw of the batons (Kastpinnar)). The player that tosses the kubbs is called the inkastare.

If a kubb is thrown out of play, i.e., outside the boundary markers or not beyond the middle line (Note: after being raised, at least half of the kubb must be in the field of play to be considered in play), then one more attempt is given. If this also goes out, the kubb becomes a "punishment kubb" and can be placed anywhere in the target half by the opposing team as long as it is at least one baton length from a corner marker or the King. If a thrown kubb knocks over an existing baseline or field kubb, then the field kubbs are raised at the location where they rest, and baseline kubbs are raised at their original location.

Play then changes hands, and Team B throws the batons at Team A's kubbs, but must first knock down any standing field kubbs. If a baseline kubb is knocked down before all remaining field kubbs, the baseline kubb is returned to its upright position. (Field kubbs that right themselves due to the momentum of the impact are considered knocked down. Kubbs are considered knocked down if they end up tilting and relying on a game piece for support.) Again, all kubbs that are knocked down are thrown back over onto the opposite half of the field and then stood up.

If either team does not knock down all field kubbs before their turn is over, the kubb closest to the centerline now represents the opposite team's baseline, and throwers may step up to that line to throw at their opponent's kubbs. This rule applies only to throwing the batons at the opposing team's field and baseline kubbs; fallen kubbs are thrown from the original baseline, as are attempts to knock over the king (see below).

Play continues in this fashion until a team is able to knock down all kubbs on the opposing team's half of the field. If the former team still has batons left to throw, they now attempt to knock over the king. If a thrower successfully topples the king, their team has won the game.

If at any time during the game the king is knocked down by a baton or kubb while the opposing team still has kubbs in its half of the field, the throwing team immediately loses the game.

In tournaments, winners are typically determined by playing best out of three.

For informal play between players of widely differing abilities, such as an adult and a child, it is permissible to shorten the length of the pitch. Another option is for both players to play on the same team and keep switching sides during play.

Tournaments

The Kubb World Championship is held annually on the island of Gotland, Sweden. The U.S. Championship is held annually in Eau Claire, WI.

Tournaments in the U.S. have exploded since 2007, especially in the Midwest. In 2016, the U.S. tournament list includes over 40 tournaments. The majority of tournaments are located in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

In 2013, the U.S. Midwest Championship was re-introduced. The annual tournament travels throughout the Midwest. (2013: Rockford, IL; 2014: Decorah, IA; 2015: Madison, WI; 2016: Madison, WI; 2017: Shakopee, MN; 2018: Canton, OH)

European tournaments are held in Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, the UK and Italy. Most countries have their own national championship tournament.

title: Kubb