OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL
A Travelogue on OVNHT in North Carolina
From Elkin to Morganton (Wilkes-Surry Segment)
OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL
A Travelogue on OVNHT in North Carolina
From Elkin to Morganton (Wilkes-Surry Segment)
North Carolina 268
From Elkin to almost Lenoir, your trip is beside the Yadkin River. The Yadkin is like Virginia's Shenandoah in flowing north. As you drive south you go up the river. You climb uphill as the river winds its way out of the mountains.
Once upon a time the Watauga and Yadkin River Railroad followed this same course into the mountains. What looks like a peaceful river changed all that in 1940, sweeping away the railroad between Ferguson and Wilkesboro.
The destruction of that flood was so severe, the W.Kerr Scott Reservoir was built to contain the river in stormy times. Romantics say you can stand on the dam on clear nights and hear the old steam whistles echo through the valley.
In Wilkesboro, stop by the Old Jail and the Robert Cleveland Cabin behind the court house. Both are operated by Old Wilkes, inc.
Just south of Wilkesboro, near the intersection of U.S. 421 and N.C. 268, visit the Wilkes Community College (WCC) Gardens. Here you'll find a mix of colonial-era plants and those from the modern garden. It's a leafy respite from hustle and rushing, a well-groomed echo of the woods in 1780.
Between Wilkesboro and U.S. 321 you are in Happy Valley. Nestled in among high ridges, snug beside the river, even Native Americans found this a peaceful site. Legend has it that two war parties met and fought a fierce battle. When neither side prevailed, they signed a truce. To show their lasting intent, they intertwined two saplings. You can see a picture of those trees at the museum at W.Kerr Scott Reservoir.
Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the dam and reservoir provide a mix of water sports. Each summer see living history and nature programs at the amphitheater at the campground.
In the midst of Happy Valley, on a rise above the river, is Fort Defiance, the home of William Lenoir. This militia leader and veteran of Kings Mountain always said he fought Ferguson as an ordinary soldier. He also remarked that many officers who could not afford swords received the swords of surrendering wealthy Loyalists on that momentous day
U.S. 321 & North Carolina 18
Turn left from NC 268 onto busy, four-lane U.S. 321. You'll soon be on the outskirts of Lenoir. This busy city is famous for its furniture factories. Lenoir is named for William Lenoir
Lenoir spent his time after the Revolution serving in government. He was proud of his leading part in establishing the University of North Carolina. Ironically, another town could have been called Lenoir. But he refused the honor. After his death, the present city took up his name.
In Lenoir, you'll find an eclectic mix of restaurants and shops.
South of Lenoir, you are on the western edge of the Carolina piedmont. The mountains are less visible now, but still there to you right. You are also crossing over into the watershed of the Catawba River. In 1780, Cleveland's men were ambushed along here. His brother was wounded. They carried him to the river and took him by canoe up to Quaker Meadows.
As you enter Morganton, you join up with the main route. In 1780, the men under Joseph Winston and Benjamin Cleveland joined the Overmountain men at Quaker Meadows late on the night of September 30. When it's clear, you can see the high mountain wall to the west and south of Morganton. If you're there at sunrise, watch for the sun to flame red against the rocks of Shortoff Mountain.