Coldwell Banker Triad, REALTORS - Surry County and Stokes County NC History and lifestyle

Surry County

History

Pilot Mountain

Step back to a simpler time when you visit Surry County, with an estimated population of 72,496 encompassing almost 537 square miles. Formed in 1771 from Rowan County, it was named for the county of Surrey in England, birthplace of William Tryon, Governor of North Carolina from 1765 to 1771.

Surry is home to communities Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, Elkin, and Dobson. Main Street in Mount Airy, where actor Andy Griffith grew up, might remind some of the town ‘Mayberry’ from The Andy Griffith Show. Andy made numerous references to travel to “Mt. Pilot,” the Town of Pilot Mountain, which is what remains from the ancient Sauratown Mountains. The Saura Indians who inhabited the area knew Pilot Mountain as Jomeokee, the “Pilot” or “Great Guide”.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The flowing together of the Yadkin River and the Big Elkin Creek has drawn people to the area of what is now Elkin, since the coming of the Paleo-Indians 10,000 years ago. Around 1840, Richard Gwyn settled on the north side of the Yadkin River, recognizing the value of the forested hills and waterpower of Elkin Creek. Within a decade he and several family members established Elkin Manufacturing Company. Farther up Elkin Creek, Alexander Chatham and Thomas Lenior Gwyn opened a small woolen mill in 1877 that grew to become Elkin’s largest industry today. The Northwestern North Carolina Railroad arrived in 1890. Elkin’s location near the Yadkin River and the Big Elkin Creek and as a stop on the railroad caused prosperity that produced brick stores, many industries, and fine houses.

Due to a geographical division of Surry County, Dobson was established as the county seat in 1853 when the courthouse was completed. Dobson is host to Surry Community College and provides a southern gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Lifestyle

There are many things to do in Surry County. Outdoor lovers will enjoy riding down the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, picnicking at Fisher River Park, hiking at Pilot Mountain State Park, or canoeing on the Yadkin River. Bluegrass and traditional music fans can experience an old fashioned jam session or live radio show every Saturday morning in Downtown Mount Airy. History buffs can explore the area's rich past at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History and by visiting the county's numerous historic places. Taste fine wines at any Piedmont vineyard or winery such as Round Peak Vineyard , Old North State Winery, Stony Knoll Vineyards, Elkin Creek Vineyard, Shelton Vineyards, Brushy Mountain Winery, and Grassy Creek Vineyard . Get involved with the Yadkin Valley Craft Guild and the arts through The Surry Arts Council or Foothills Arts Council.

Other Info/Resources

Surry Community College
Public Schools K-12
Mayberry Grassy Creek Trail Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital
Northern Hospital of Surry County
Mount Airy News
Elkin Tribune
Airport
Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce
Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce
Surry Visitors Center
Parks and Recreation

Danbury Priddy's General Store

Stokes County

History

Stokes County, named after Revolutionary War captain, John Stokes, was formed in 1789 from Surry County. It is home to the Sauratown Mountain range, which is known to be the only mountain chain in the US that rises and falls within county borders. Currently it is home to King, Walnut Cove and Danbury, consuming a land area of about 452 miles with a population of approximately 46,150.

Danbury serves as the county seat of Stokes County and is very convenient to access.

The city of King is located in two counties, both Stokes and Forsyth. Originally a stage coach stop, King was founded as a train depot in 1888. The town grew rapidly in the 1970s and was incorporated in 1983. King is currently recognized as one the fastest growing areas in North Carolina, while they pride themselves for maintaining their small town atmosphere.

The town of Walnut Cove was officially chartered in 1889, but was a settlement long before it officially became a town. Mr. and Mrs. William Lash of the Moravian Settlement at Bethania bought land around 1830 along the Town Fork Creek, which was passed down to their children. It developed into a large plantation which was named Walnut Cove, supposedly from the sheltered coves of the meandering Town Fork Creek and the walnut trees that grew abundantly in the area.

Lifestyle

Hanging Rock

Stokes County is considered to be a part of the Piedmont Plateau thus providing a playground for Pure Play. Among many things, outdoors lovers can kayak the Dan River, hike the Waterfall Trails in Hanging Rock State Park or connect from there to Pilot Mountain State Park via the Sauratown Trail. Germanton Vineyard and Winery and other Piedmont wineries and vineyards are just a short drive away. The Stokes County Arts Council promotes all art forms and welcomes all to view their exhibits and attend their events. Educate yourself on the roots of Stokes County at the Stokes County Historical Museum and make history come alive by visiting the nationally registered Historic Places.