History of Anson County, North Carolina
Anson County, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, has a long and storied history that spans from its early days as part of the British colonial landscape to its development during the era of American independence and beyond. Established in 1750 from parts of Bladen County, Anson County was named after George Anson, a British naval officer. The county played an important role in the American Revolution and was later shaped by agriculture, particularly cotton and tobacco production. Over time, Anson County has maintained its connection to North Carolina’s agricultural roots while also embracing modern growth. Today, Anson County stands as a place of cultural and historical significance with a wealth of landmarks and events that reflect its rich heritage.
Origins and Key Historical Events
Early History and Native American Presence
Before European settlers arrived in the Carolinas, the land now known as Anson County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, primarily the Catawba and Cherokee. The Catawba lived along the Catawba River, and their territory extended into the western parts of modern-day Anson County. The arrival of European settlers, who were primarily of English and Scots-Irish descent, led to significant changes in the region’s demographics and landscape, as the indigenous tribes were displaced through conflict, disease, and the encroachment of colonial settlers.
In the mid-1700s, British colonial expansion pushed southward, and the area that would become Anson County was originally part of the larger Bladen County, which was established in 1734. The establishment of Anson County in 1750 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s history.
Colonial and Revolutionary War Era
The establishment of Anson County in 1750 came during a period of significant expansion in the North Carolina colony. The county’s fertile soil, particularly along the Peachland and Lilesville areas, made it an ideal location for agriculture, especially tobacco and cotton farming. By the time of the American Revolution, Anson County was a center for both Loyalist and Patriot activity, with tensions rising as North Carolina’s residents were divided over independence.
In 1780, Anson County played a role in the Battle of Camden, part of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. Though the battle ended in a significant defeat for the Continental Army, it underscored the deep divisions and struggles faced by colonists in the Carolinas. Despite the hardships during the Revolution, Anson County’s citizens, like many in the South, supported the eventual victory of the American forces and the establishment of the United States.
Post-Revolutionary Growth and the Antebellum Era
After the Revolutionary War, Anson County continued to grow, with much of its economy revolving around agriculture, particularly the cultivation of tobacco and cotton. Slavery became deeply entrenched in the county, with enslaved Africans providing much of the labor for the large plantations that dotted the landscape. In addition to agricultural output, the county also supported local businesses, including blacksmiths, mills, and other artisan industries.
The growth of the cotton industry in particular contributed to Anson County’s expansion in the early 19th century. The construction of roads and railroads in the mid-1800s facilitated transportation and trade, allowing the county’s agricultural products to reach markets far beyond the Carolinas. By the time of the Civil War, Anson County had become a prominent part of North Carolina’s agricultural economy.
Civil War and Reconstruction
During the Civil War, Anson County’s residents were divided between supporting the Confederacy and the Union. Though North Carolina was a Confederate state, many of Anson County’s citizens were initially sympathetic to the Union, as evidenced by early desertions of Confederate soldiers from the county. However, as the war continued, the Confederate cause gained more support, and the county became heavily involved in providing soldiers and supplies for the Confederate Army.
Following the Civil War, Reconstruction in Anson County was challenging, as the economy was in ruins, and the social fabric was torn apart by the destruction of slavery. Many formerly enslaved people became sharecroppers on the same lands where they had once worked. The postwar period saw the rise of a more diversified agricultural economy, as tobacco, cotton, and corn were cultivated, but the economic development of the county remained slow.
20th Century and the Decline of Agriculture
The early 20th century brought significant changes to Anson County, as the Great Depression and the mechanization of agriculture led to a decline in traditional farming practices. The county, like much of the South, had to adapt to the challenges of modern industrialization. While agriculture remained the backbone of the economy, the growing importance of railroads, highways, and the development of small towns shifted the county’s economic focus.
Throughout the 20th century, Anson County’s small towns, such as Wadesboro (the county seat), Lilesville, and Peachland, served as trade and service hubs for the surrounding rural areas. The county’s agricultural economy continued to support the region, though it diversified with the rise of textiles, furniture manufacturing, and other industries.
The Modern Era
In recent decades, Anson County has faced economic shifts, with a decreasing reliance on agriculture and a move toward service-based industries and commerce. However, the county remains an important part of North Carolina’s rural economy, and efforts to revitalize its historic downtown areas and promote tourism have gained momentum. Agriculture, particularly poultry and livestock, still plays a key role, but the county’s economy has diversified with the growth of sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Today, Anson County is a region that balances its historical legacy with modern growth. The county’s historical sites, natural beauty, and close-knit communities make it an attractive place to visit and live.
Historical Sites in Anson County
1. Anson County Courthouse
Overview
The Anson County Courthouse in Wadesboro is one of the county’s most significant historical landmarks. Built in 1839, the courthouse is the center of local government and legal activity. It’s also a symbol of the county’s colonial and post-colonial history. The building’s architecture reflects the styles popular in the early 19th century, with Greek Revival elements. It remains in use today and is an important site for understanding the history of governance and law in Anson County.
Location:
101 S Green St, Wadesboro, NC 28170
Ticket Price:
- Free to visit; public tours may be available by request.
Parking Information:
Ample parking is available around the courthouse, with street parking options and public lots nearby.
2. The Anson County Historical Society Museum
Overview
The Anson County Historical Society Museum, located in Wadesboro, houses artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the county’s rich history. The museum features displays about Native American heritage, colonial settlement, the Civil War, and the county’s agricultural legacy. Visitors can view historical documents, photographs, and tools used by early settlers, giving a glimpse into the everyday lives of those who shaped Anson County.
Location:
704 E Caswell St, Wadesboro, NC 28170
Ticket Price:
- Adults: $5
- Seniors/Students: $3
- Children under 12: Free
Parking Information:
Parking is available at the museum and on nearby streets.
3. The Lockhart-Taylor Center
Overview
The Lockhart-Taylor Center, located in Wadesboro, is a cultural and arts center that serves as a community hub for events and gatherings. Built in 1923, the center originally served as a high school before being repurposed for arts and community activities. It hosts concerts, theater productions, and exhibits showcasing local history and the arts. It’s a great place to learn about the artistic and cultural development of the region.
Location:
514 N Washington St, Wadesboro, NC 28170
Ticket Price:
- Varies by event
Parking Information:
Parking is available on-site at the center.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Anson County is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, bordered by the Uwharrie Mountains to the west and the Sandy River to the east. The county’s land is characterized by rolling hills, fertile farmland, and numerous small streams and rivers. Wadesboro, the county seat, is situated along the Peachland-Polkton Road, a central hub in the county. The county’s rich soil has historically made it ideal for agriculture, with cotton, tobacco, and later, livestock, forming the backbone of the economy.
The climate of Anson County is classified as humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 85°F to 95°F, while winter temperatures generally stay between 40°F and 50°F. The county receives moderate rainfall year-round, with rainfall totals averaging about 45 inches annually.
Key County Statistics
- Year Founded: 1750
- County Seat: Wadesboro
- Population: Approximately 26,000
- Population Density: 50 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Wadesboro, Peachland, Lilesville
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 74, North Carolina Highway 109
- Adjacent Counties:
- Union County (north)
- Richmond County (south)
- Stanly County (west)
- Chesterfield County (SC) (east)