Brown-Graves House and Brown's Store
SW of Yanceyville on NC 150, Locust Hill, NC Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
During the Civil War, North Carolina was the second to last state to secede from the Union, doing so on May 20, 1861, and sending more soldiers to fight for the Confederacy than any other state.
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.
Caswell County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.