NC Cultural Resources Newsroom

FREMONT — Though Annabelle the sheep, who lives at Gov. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace in Fremont, became famous back in October when she was stolen and subsequently recovered, these days she’s nursing her two new lambs.  “Rocky” and “Bullwinkle” made their debut at the state historic site on Dec. 18.  Though still sticking pretty close to their mother, the two healthy boys have already been seen kicking up their heels in the pasture of the 19th century farm.

A Gulf Coast/Florida Native breed sheep similar to those kept at the farm by the Aycock family, Annabelle was stolen Sunday, Oct. 28, from the state historic site in Fremont.  The crime was caught on videotape.  Three days later, after extensive publicity and assistance from local law enforcement, she was found unharmed just seven miles away.  Staff soon picked up Annabelle and brought her home.

The animal’s successful recovery would not have been possible without collaboration among the state historic site staff, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and local media, all whom spread the word on Annabelle’s loss and subsequent efforts to find her.

Though sheep had been stolen from the site twice before, Annabelle was the first one to be recovered.  Following the previous thefts, N.C. Historic Sites instituted additional security measures such as photo surveillance, which caught the thief in the act of stealing Annabelle.  Local law enforcement quickly distributed copies of these images to media and several local TV stations broadcast them across eastern North Carolina.  In subsequent weeks, new security measures have been put in place at the site to help guard against any such future incidents.

N.C. Historic Sites Director Keith Hardison said, “We believe that media publication of these photos of the alleged thief in action prompted him to release the animal.”

In 1859, Charles B. Aycock was born into a simple, rural home that is now the state historic site.  After being elected governor in 1900, he dedicated his life to improving public education in North Carolina.  An 1893 one-room schoolhouse, moved to the site, underscores Aycock’s commitment to education.  This typical 19th-century family farm includes the main house, separate open-hearth kitchen, corn crib and smokehouses.

The state historic site’s mission is to preserve and interpret the birthplace and history of Charles B. Aycock, emphasizing his contributions to public education in North Carolina.  It is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

To reach the site, take U.S. 117 north nine miles from Goldsboro or U.S. 117 south 14 miles from Wilson. Turn right (from Goldsboro) or left (from Wilson) on Gov. Aycock Road. The site is 1-1/2 miles on the right.  From Interstate 95 take the U.S. 301 exit at Kenly. Take N.C. 222 east for ten miles to Fremont and turn right (south) on U.S. 117.  Go two miles and turn left on Governor Aycock Road.

For information on Annabelle the sheep, her lambs or the site, call (919) 242-5581, e-mail aycock@ncmail.net or go here.

Administered by the Division of State Historic Sites, Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site is part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history, and culture.  For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.