Graham, North Carolina
Seems like just another dot on a map, doesn’t it? I mean, really, most people have heard of Raleigh or Durham or Greensboro or Charlotte or Winston-Salem … but they don’t have a clue about Graham.
Well, there’s good news here for you! Graham, North Carolina is on the map! And it’s no wonder! We are a town rich in history, full of nice folks, and a true testament to the diversity of North Carolina.
I wrote a post the other day about Graham, North Carolina in an effort to acquaint people with one of North Carolina’s hidden treasures. A treasure that may be overlooked by those wanting the convenience of big city living with a small town flavor. But it would pay to take a look at Graham, North Carolina. It really would….
You see, my town … yes, I call it ‘my town’ even though I’m a newcomer … has some really nice features to it. I’m not talking about shopping or dining … although those areas are readily available … but the best feature of ‘my town’ is the history that you can witness just by driving up Main Street.
And while viewing the history you can also take a peek at the progress being made. There will soon be a new Children’s Museum, and there are new businesses popping up all around.
Back to the history. I am a firm believer that it’s very important to know your area. To know ‘your town’ and all of its little nuances. If you don’t, then you are sure to miss part of the enjoyment of living in Graham, North Carolina.
Did you know … Graham was originally located in Orange County? In 1849 some folks decided that Orange County was too large and they decided to split the county in two. Hence, Alamance County was formed.
After the split it was determined that Alamance County (officially established in 1851) needed a county seat. The town of Graham was chosen as the county seat since it is almost exactly in the center of the county. And … Graham was named for the outgoing governor, William A. Graham of Hillsborough. Governor Graham had been a US Senator and made an unsuccessful bid for the Vice Presidency.
Originally there was a total of 75 acres purchased for the county seat. Those acres were acquired from four different families and the growth of Graham began.
In June of 1849 the commissioners decided that Graham needed a permanent courthouse instead of holding court in a local church. The decision to build a courthouse was made and the cost was not to exceed $8,000. That was a lot of money for 1849! But it was crafted from granite and stone, and was completed in 1851.
So, the courthouse was built … and you can see it’s a beautiful old building. There is a new courthouse just around the corner from this one, but it really lacks the character and style of the original.
In Court Square there are many small businesses that give Graham a very special personality. And that’s what makes it a wonderful place to live.
The inscription at the base of the monument says:
"To commemorate, with grateful love, the patriotism, valor, and
devotion to duty of the brave soldiers of Alamance County."
This monument is erected through the efforts of the Graham Chapter
United Daughters of the Confederacy
And the small plaque on the side ...
"Conquered they can never be, whose spirits and whose souls are free."
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