In conjunction with the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources’ 2008 theme of “Telling Our Stories,” the Historical Publications Section of the Office of Archives and History announces the publication of “Randolph County: A Brief History,” by L. Barron Mills Jr. It spans the region’s pre-colonial American Indian period to its 21st century promotion of artful pottery and NASCAR.
Created in 1779, Randolph County is located in the center of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. This concise volume chronicles from its pre-colonial American Indian habitation through European settlement in the 18th century, growing industrialization in the 19th and 20th centuries, and its establishment as a national tourist destination in the 21st century. Topics discussed include the importance of Randolph County’s natural resources in the industrial development of gristmills, sawmills and textile and furniture manufacturing plants; the influences of the county’s large Quaker community; and the 200-year-old folk pottery tradition in the Seagrove area. The author emphasizes the varied contributions of individuals to Randolph County’s historical evolution over three centuries.
Mills earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. He held positions at the Alamance News in Graham, N.C., and at the Winston-Salem Journal before becoming editor and publisher of the Randolph Guide in 1955. Although Mills sold the Randolph Publishing Company in 1991, he continues to write a weekly column for the Randolph Guide. He has been an active member of the Randolph County Historical Society since 1956.
“Randolph County: A Brief History” (158 pages, illustrated, index, paperbound) costs $20.81, which includes tax and shipping. Order from the Historical Publications Section (N), Office of Archives and History, 4622 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-4622. For credit card orders call (919) 733-7442, ext. 0, or access the Publications Section’s secure online store at http://nc-historical-publications.stores.yahoo.net/.
The Historical Publications Section offers more than 190 North Carolina books, maps, and document facsimiles. For a free catalog, write to the address above or call (919) 733-7442, ext. 0. The Historical Publications section www.ncpublications.com is administered by the Office of Archives and History, which is part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources www.ncculture.com.