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Aberdeen:
Aberdeen is steeped in Scottish history and is the delight of railroad buffs, artists, and golfers alike. During the 1700’s, Scottish Highlanders settled in what was originally called Bethesda. In the mid 1850’s this Scottish community was named Blue’s Crossing, in honor of Malcolm McMillan Blue, and later changed to Aberdeen. Here the tar, pitch, and turpentine industry began to prosper soon after the Civil War and the Raleigh & August Air Line was completed bringing better transportation facilities through the community. In 1880, Allison Francis Page bought 1,660 acres of timber to begin his business. Under the leadership of Mr. Page and others, Aberdeen was transformed into the commercial center of the county, a position that it has held throughout a number of years. Aberdeen continues to offer the quality of the past with the conveniences of modern day. The original commercial area has become Aberdeen’s historic district where you can enjoy antique shops and tree-lined streets with homes built earlier in the century. Under a new generation of leaders a new commercial district offers many new restaurants, hotels, and shopping areas in answer to the needs of both residents and the tourists alike.
Population: 4,500
Form Of Government: Commissioners, Manager
Mayor: Betsy Mofield
Manager: Bill Zell
Phone: (910) 944-1115
Address: 115 N. Poplar St. P.O. Box 785 28315
www.townofaberdeen.net
Incorporated: March 4, 1893
Cameron:
The Raleigh and Augusta Railroad came to Cameron in 1857, and for quite a while that was the end of the line. A community was soon established with a variety of merchants and residents that had arrived with the railroad. Incorporated in 1876, the town was named after Paul Cameron, an official of the railroad. Cameron soon became a bustling commercial center with several general stores, turpentine distilleries, a millstone company, and a carriage works. From 1880 to 1890, the Cameron-based Muse Brothers Store was known as the largest store between Richmond and Augusta. The Lucretia Dewberry (a mild Blackberry) was introduced to Moore County in 1892 and Cameron soon became known as the “Dewberry Capital of the World.” Cameron has once again put itself on the map – this time as the antique capital of the Sandhills. Normally a quiet residential community, on the first Saturday of May and October, the town will be bustling with vendors and antique shoppers. People come from many states, searching for new old treasures while enjoying delicious dewberry deserts in one of the lovely tearooms.
Population: 400
Form Of Government: Mayor, Commissioners
Mayor: George Womble
Town Clerk: Carol Lucas
Phone: (910) 245-3212
Address: 247 Carter Street, 28326
Website: None
Incorporated: December 12, 1876
Carthage:
Sitting amid tree-lined streets and historical residences, Carthage is the oldest town in Moore County. It was incorporated in 1796, serving as the county seat. The first courthouse, “a rather crude log building, small in size,” was constructed in 1785 and given the name of Carthage. The remainder of the town was not laid out until 1803 and officially became the county seat in 1804. In 1922, the fifth and currant historical courthouse was built and moved to the center of town. Today, as in the past, activities in Carthage revolve around the courthouse. The national historic district of Carthage is very proud that it has over fifty buildings and residences of historical significance dating back to the pre-civil war period. Alexander Kelly and Thomas Tyson founded the Tyson Jones Buggy Factory in 1855. The factory brought prosperity to Carthage by manufacturing the “Cadillac of horse drawn carriages.” This major Carthage enterprise remained the largest factory in Moore County far into the 20th century. Reaching its peak in 1890 the factory was producing 3000 vehicles a year. The buggy company met its demise with the dawn of the automobile. Carthage is proud of its heritage, its exceptional location, the peaceful tree lines streets, and beautiful historical residences. The Buggy Festival in mid May is the annual event that honors the town’s heritage as home of one of the world’s former foremost carriage makers.
Population: 2114
Form Of Government: Mayor, Council
Mayor: W. C. Walton
Town Clerk: Carol Sparks
Phone: (910) 947-2331
Address: 4396 US 15-501, 28327
Incorporated: December 23, 1796
Foxfire:
Piney Bottom’s sandy ridge was a well-liked hunting site for the native Indians. Pitney Bottom, as it was originally called, is an area where Englishman and Scots settled during the early 18th century. It is said that history was made here during the American Revolution when a skirmish broke out between the Tories and the Whigs in 1780. Taking full advantage of the pine forest on the ridge, the new settlers sold this timber for construction and turpentine production. Piney Bottom’s agricultural industry came into view in the 20th century featuring various crops such as rye, cotton, corn, and tobacco as well as numerous peach orchards and vineyards. In 1967 partners Dan Tomlinson and Rowland McKenzie began to transform 2,200 acres of Piney Bottom’s farmland into a new-age resort and residential community, which they named Foxfire due to a mysterious luminescence which could be scene on plants and decaying wood. Incorporated in 1977, the Village of Foxfire is situated on one of Moore County’s highest elevations. This scenic golfing resort and residential community offers a beautiful setting for its visitors and residents.
Population: 491
Form Of Government: Mayor, Council
Mayor: George Erickson
Town Clerk: Janice Thomas
Phone: (910) 295-5107
Address: 1 Town Hall Drive, Foxfire, 27281
www.visitfoxfire.com
Incorporated: April 19, 1977
Pinebluff:
Emigrating from Scotland, Peter Blue received a land grant consisting of thousands of acres. The majority of this land was located south of Aberdeen. The area in which Blue took up residence is now what we call Pinebluff. Blue had great success in the agricultural industry, thriving in tobacco and raising cattle. Later Blue’s land passed into the hands of Luther Spear, who, in turn sold 722 acres to John Patrick in 1884. Patrick, the founding father of Southern Pines, had great aspirations for the town. Patrick dreamed of turning Pinebluff into the next Southern Pines. Naming the streets after fruits and nuts and the avenues after northern cities, Patrick strived to fulfill his dream. Over the next twenty years Patrick vigorously attempted to draw new residents to the area. All hopes for Pinebluff to duplicate Southern Pines came to an end as a result of several destructive fires. Stepping in to assume the leadership responsibility for Pinebluff, Dr. John W. Acorn, his wife and mother-in-law, laid the foundation for today’s pleasant residential community. Pinebluff today is home to many residents. Many retirees from the north, young professionals, as well as military from nearby Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base reside here. Pinebluff Lake is the center of a solid recreational program, which entices the ever-growing population.
Population: 1,100
Form Of Government: Mayor / commissioners
Mayor: Earlene McLamb
Town Clerk: Betty McDuffie
Phone: (910) 281-3124
Address: 4325 E. Baltimore Ave. 28373
Website: None
Incorporated: 1899
Pinehurst:
Pinehurst, rising from sandpits and a pine-barren wasteland to the No. 3 golf destination in the world, was originally slated to be a health settlement for the working people of the north. When Pinehurst founder, James Walker Tufts, a philanthropist as well as an astute businessman, laid claim to 5,500 acres of land in 1895, he wanted to provide a place for people with serious health conditions such as tuberculosis to escape the harsh winter weather. He set to build a New England-style village that would serve as a center of activity for resort guests and the community.
The first golf championship held in Pinehurst was the united North and South Amateur Championship in 1901 and Donald Ross, a Scottish immigrant, was named the new head professional. Ross went on to design many well-known courses, including Pinehurst’s famed No. 2, which was completed in1907. The resort has been enjoyed for over 100 years as an example of southern charm, world-class golf, and its exceptional lifestyle. A vibrant business district today, the Village of Pinehurst remains virtually unchanged in its layout from his original design. If you get lost – don’t feel like you are alone. Famed architect, Fredrick Law Olmsted, encouraged his firm to build its street system in concentric circles surrounding the Holly Inn (Pinehurst’s first hotel)…so you would get lost on purpose, slow down, and enjoy the fragrant air. The Village and Business Guild have a variety of events through-out the year – from the annual Dickensian-like village Christmas tree lighting, to St. Patrick’s Day and 4th of July Parades, to fall’s Holly Arts and Crafts Festival, and seasonal open-air concerts. With clothing stores, restaurants, galleries and local pottery shops, the Village of Pinehurst offers a little bit of everything. Within walking distance of the resorts Carolina Hotel, Holly Inn and Manor Inn, it provides the perfect distraction for a day outdoors. In 1996 Pinehurst was designated as a national landmark – especially meaningful as it is the only golf-related designation of its kind in the United States.
Population: 12,114
Form Of Government: Council, Manager
Mayor: Steve Smith
Town Clerk: Andrew Wilkison
Phone: (910) 955-1900
Address: 395 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst 28374
www.villageofpinehurst.org
Incorporated: July 1, 1980
Robbins:
With the American Revolution, came the demand for rifles. Alexander Kennedy, a gunsmith from Philadelphia built a gun factory on the falls of bear creek, near present day Robbins. Here he manufactured rifles for George Washington’s continental forces. By 1795 due to this successful business, many factories were established and the area became known as mechanics hill. Gold was later found on that same spot that Kennedy had sold for $4. It was only a trickle but it kept the town alive until the Durham-Charlotte Railroad came through in 1904. About this time, John Lenning, a wealthy businessman and railroad builder from Philadelphia laid out streets for a new town nearby. In appreciation for al his contributions to the area the townspeople proposed to name the town after his daughter, Elise where it was registered at the county court house in Carthage. The community grew slowly and in 1926, with the addition of a textile mill, the name was changed to Hemp and a new lease on life was given to the town. A Russian immigrant, Karl Robbins purchased the Pinehurst silk mills in 1930 with the goal of making it a state of the art- first class operation. He also improved life during the depression for many of the residents who were employed by the mill. In 1943, the citizens of Hemp changed the name of the town to honor the name who by now had given them so much. Besides textiles, farming remains a mainstay of the area; however, Robbins is extremely proud of its quaint pottery industry that has its roots in the clay of the region. Step back in history as you watch these artists creating masterpieces just as many of the original settlers did. Each year the town holds a mammoth farmers day parade.
Population: 1246
Form Of Government: Council / Manager
Mayor: Laura Ann Brady
Town Manager: J. Brant Sikes
Phone: (910) 948-2431
Address: P.O. Box 296, 101 N. Middleton St. 27325
www.robbinsnc.us
Incorporated: March 11,1935
Southern Pines:
Situated amidst the beautiful magnolias and long leaf pine, Southern Pines is one of those rare finds that enables you to enjoy the pleasures of small town living with all of the conveniences of a city. Around 1820, Charles Shaw, a first generation Scottish settler, acquired 2,500 acres, that was to become Southern Pines. The town was built through the desire of North Carolina’s first commissioner of immigration, James T. Patrick, to draw newcomers to the state. Purchasing 675 acres from Charles Shaw and utilizing the present railroad, Patrick laid out the town to entice the weary northern travelers to take a break from there long trip to Florida. With the railroad running through the middle of town and the streets named for northern states, Patrick lived to see the town of Southern Pines become a thriving community. One of the most outstanding families settling in Southern Pines was the Boyd Family. Novelist and publisher, James Boyd, initiated many equestrian and literary pursuits that benefit the community to this day.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy quaint tree-lined streets, restaurants to satisfy all appetites, charming coffee shops, boutiques, and art galleries and the annual cyclist competition, Tour de Moore. Moore County’s largest municipality with over 11,500 residents, Southern Pines, combines both north and south, old and new.
Population: 11,334
Form Of Government: Council / Manager
Mayor: Frank Quis
Town Manager: Reagan Parsons
Phone: (910) 692-7021
Address: 125 S. E. Broad St. 28387
www.southernpines.net
Incorporated: March 7, 1887
Taylortown:
In the early 1900’s Demus Taylor purchased land from the Tuff’s family in hopes of beginning a town for the work force of Pinehurst. Demus was a descendant western African tribe Ebu and his grandfather was one of the first slaves brought to the new world. The town, originally called Old Settlement, was later renamed Taylortown in honor of it’s founder. Further development of the town continued through the efforts of Demus’s son, Robert, who helped to found a school, which he called Academy Heights, for the settlement’s children. During the 1990’s the county’s year round school was built at approximately the same location and was aptly named Academy Heights, in tribute of the early school. Taylortown was incorporated in 1987, due to the efforts of it’s citizens, including Geneva McRae. Ms. McRae a graduate of Academy Heights High School, served in WW II, helped supervise New York State Employment Service and, after retirement, returned to Taylortown, where she served as mayor for two terms. The legacy of Dumas and Robert Taylor is reflected by present day residents through their strong sense of community and pride in the town’s heritage.
Population: 864
Form Of Government: Mayor, Council
Mayor: Uysses Barrett
Town Clerk: Carolyn Mitchell
Phone: (910) 295-4010
Address: 8350 Main Street, 28370
Website: None
Incorporated: July 14, 1987
Vass:
Through the years Vass has been known as a dynamic center of agriculture and commerce, a thriving railroad center and even a publishing nucleus. Two of the county’s current newspapers, the Sandhills Citizen and The Pilot, had their beginnings in Vass. Among the early industries were tar and bricks, as well as lumber, and cotton products. The Raleigh and Augusta Railroad featured strongly in making Vass one of the heaviest shipping sites in the County. The town has had many names, such as Bynum for an early settler and Winder for an official of the railroad – however the name that remains came from Major William Worrell Vass, the long time paymaster for the seaboard air line railroad. The name Vass was officially adopted in 1892. Vass was incorporated in 1907 and today is noted for its wholesome leadership and community involvement. It is especially proud of its library (a veteran’s memorial). The building was donated by Vass residents Phil & Patsy Keith, funds and books were donated by the people, and state-of-the-art computers donated by the Bill and Belinda Gates foundation.
Population: 763
Form Of Government: Mayor, Council
Mayor: Eddie Callahan
Town Clerk: Jody Smith
Phone: (910) 245-4676
Address: 140 S. Alma P.O. Box 487 , 28394
Website: None
Incorporated: March 8, 1907
Whispering Pines:
Centered on Thagard’s Lake, Whispering Pines history began in 1759, when Charles Hurd received a land grant for 100 acres bordering the south side of the lake. In 1859 Nicholas Smith was granted 50 acres on the north side of the lake where he built a dam and mill whish that were later sold to John Ray. During the 1860’s William Thagard moved his family to the property adjacent to the Ray property and formed a community called Thagardsville. Eventually Thagard bought the surrounding property and the lake, which still bears his family name. In 1902 I. F. Chandler, a small factory operator, bought the lake and land in order to build a concrete dam and power plant. The dam was destroyed by a flood in 1927 and the lake abandoned until 1944 when John C. Watson rebuilt the dam. In 1959 A.B. Hardee purchased the lake and 475 acres surrounding it. He established a private residential/ golf course development which he named Whispering Pines. In 1969 Whispering Pines became the first municipality in the state to be officially designated as a village. The quiet charm, golf, lake activities and country club lifestyle of Whispering Pines has much appeal to both young families and retirees.
Population: 2147
Form Of Government: Village council
Mayor: Giles Hopkins
Town Clerk: Geneva Wilson
Phone: (910) 949-3141
Address: 10 Pine Ridge Dr.
www.whisperingpinesnc.net
Incorporated: March 14, 1969