The American Civil War was scarcely over when a group of ladies met in Raleigh and began to plan commemoration for the honored Confederate dead of North Carolina. In 1867, they held their first memorial service. Two years later in Fayetteville, the first monument to the state's fallen Confederate soldiers was erected. Over the next 14 decades, countless monuments were commissioned in cemeteries and courthouse squares across the state. Following Reconstruction, the veterans themselves began to gather in their local communities, and state and national reunions were held. For many of the...

Established in 1911, Avery County is the youngest North Carolina county. Despite its recent formation, Avery has an intriguing history and rich Appalachian culture. Over the years, photographers have been eager to capture Grandfather Mountain, majestic Linville Falls, church groups, families, mighty steam engines, and many other diverse aspects of mountain culture. James "Lenoir" Franklin from the Linville Falls community photographed the southern portions of the county in the early 1900s. Operating during the same time, Willie R. Trivett lived and photographed in the Beech Mountain area....

Few natural features possess as much personality as the peaks of Grandfather Mountain, which dominate the skyline between Boone and Linville. The mountain takes its name from its resemblance to the profile of a sleeping old man; it was known to Cherokee hunters as Tanawha, or "fabulous eagle." Later visitors came to see the magnificent views, brave the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge, and observe the native flora. The mountain is billed as North Carolina's top scenic attraction. The advent of photography made Grandfather Mountain the High Country's most photographed celebrity, with images...