Caswell County, North Carolina
Brown-Graves House and Brown's Store
Caswell County Courthouse
Caswell County Training School
Garland-Buford House
Graves House
Griers Presbyterian Church and Cemetery
Holderness, William Henry and Sarah, House
Johnston, John, House
Longwood
Malone, James, House
Melrose/Williamson House
Milton Historic District
Milton State Bank
Moore House
Poteat House
Red House Presbyterian Church
Rose Hill
Saint Agnes Church
Union Tavern
Warren House and Warren's Store
Wildwood
Woodside
Yanceyville Historic District
Archibald Debow Murphey
Bartlett Yancey
Bedford Brown
Bethesda Church
Bright Leaf Tobacco
Calvin Graves
Caswell County Veterans Memorial
Caswell Courthouse
Cedars Cemetery
Clay-Lewis-Irvine House
Commercial Row East
Commercial Row West
Confederate Memorial
Episcopal Church
Fairview
Friou-Hurdle House
Griers Presbyterian Church
Honoring Nicholas Longworth Dillard
Jacob Thompson
Melville
Millard Quentin Plumblee
Milton Batteaux, Boatmen, Hogsheads and Coopers
Milton General Store
Milton State Bank
Patterson-Dodson House
Red House Church
Romulus M. Saunders
Site of Milton Hotel
Solomon Lea
Stephen Dodson Ramseur
The Oliver House
The Veteran's Walk
The Wooding Place
Thomas Day
Thomas House
Veterans Memorial
Walker House
Washington's Southern Tour
William L. Poteat
Wilson-Austin-Mehaffey House
"Lest We Forget"
Caswell County was officially established in 1777 and was named in honor of Richard Caswell, the first governor of North Carolina. During the Revolutionary War, Caswell County played a significant role in the fight for American independence, with many residents serving in the Continental Army. The Battle of Lindley's Mill, fought in 1781, was a notable engagement where local militia forces clashed with British loyalists.
In the 19th century, Caswell County became an important agricultural center, with the production of tobacco being the primary economic driver. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for growing this cash crop. However, the reliance on agriculture also meant that the county's economy was subject to fluctuations and challenges such as the devastation caused by the boll weevil infestations in the early 20th century.
Throughout its history, Caswell County has been shaped by the movement for civil rights. The county was home to several significant African American leaders, including preacher and abolitionist Jacob Griggs, who established a school for Black children in the mid-19th century, as well as educator and activist Charlotte Hawkins Brown. The struggle for civil rights continued into the 20th century, with local residents actively participating in demonstrations and marches.
Today, Caswell County is a mix of agricultural and rural communities, while also embracing its historical heritage. Visitors can explore the area's past by visiting historical sites, including the Caswell County Courthouse, and taking part in events that celebrate the county's rich history.
Brief timeline of the history of Caswell County, North Carolina:
- 1777: Caswell County is established from Orange County.
- 1800s: Caswell County becomes a major center for tobacco cultivation and production.
- 1833: The county seat is moved from Leasburg to Yanceyville.
- Late 1800s: Caswell County experiences economic growth with the establishment of textile mills and railroad connections.
- 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, many Caswell County residents serve in the Confederate Army.
- Early 1900s: Caswell County sees a decline in agriculture due to the boll weevil infestation and the Great Depression.
- Mid-1900s: The county begins to focus on industries such as furniture manufacturing and construction.
- 1970s: Caswell County experiences population decline due to the decline of textile and furniture industries.
- Present: Caswell County is primarily a rural area with a focus on agriculture, tourism, and small-scale industries.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Caswell County, North Carolina.