Martin County Revisited

by Fred W. Harrison Jr.

Overview

Situated along the south bank of the Roanoke River, Martin County was established in 1774. Vast pine forests in the region assured the county's early economic success with the production of naval stores, tar pitch, and turpentine. By the late 19th century, large-scale lumber concerns and tobacco and peanut farming ushered in a new era of prosperity. Today, the area leads the state in the production of peanuts and cotton. Twice during the 20th century, the county made national headlines—first with the 1925 Needleman Case and later with the famed Williamston civil rights events of 1963 and 1964. Fond memories of church dinners, family gatherings, parades, and intriguing personalities like local baseball legends Jim and Gaylord Perry are recalled through images that make this return visit to Martin County all the more worthwhile. Martin County Revisited showcases the rich agrarian and social history of this eastern North Carolina county.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467120524
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	11/04/2013
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	1,013,863
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Local historian and Williamston native Fred W. Harrison Jr. draws from local repositories, private collections, and his own in-depth knowledge to share a broad wealth of memories and historical information sure to be cherished by history lovers and those who call Martin County home. He authored Martin County with Arcadia Publishing in 1999.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 6

Introduction 7

1 People and Places to Remember 9

2 Roanoke River Heritage 27

3 Roberson Family Reunions 39

4 War and Controversy 49

5 Celebrations and Social Gatherings 63

6 Progressive Robersonville 79

7 Williamston Along the Ocean Highway 97