Unlike most cities in the South, Durham recovered quickly after the end of the Civil War. This could’ve been considered coincidental or fate, but no matter which, this small town prospered when most of the South suffered for years as they struggled to recover from the devastation of war. Once General Sherman’s troops had wonContinue reading “Durham’s Unique Recovery”
Tag Archives: Durham
Durham’s History Regarding the Civil War
At the time of the Civil War, Stagville, located north of town of Durham, had grown into a sprawling plantation comprising of a large house for the Cameron family, housing for the slaves, farmland, mills, and barns for the livestock. The Camerons not only owned Stagville but also possessed property stretched over three counties whichContinue reading “Durham’s History Regarding the Civil War”
Durham’s Infamous Role in the Civil War
When the Civil War began in 1861, Durham’s population was less than a thousand, with only a few dozen people living near or around Durham Station. Most of the population in the area lived on farms and raised their own food to survive. Farmers had also grown tobacco for generations. The Piedmont area of NorthContinue reading “Durham’s Infamous Role in the Civil War”
Blessings
I am so thankful for the medical care I have received from Duke Medical Center. One true blessing in this time of my life.
A History of a House
Whitehall Terrace was built by my grandfather in 1930 for his wife Helen. Helen didn’t want to live at Bonnie Brae with her mother-in-law and my grandfather’s old aunt Nannie. Even though it was during the Great Depression, no expense was spared for Helen. My mother is the young girl sitting with her father, RichardContinue reading “A History of a House”
A Proclamation
My father, James Robert Hawkins was mayor of Durham between 1971 and 1975. This was a turbulent time in the history of Durham, when the schools were integrated, Hope Valley was annexed into the city limits and the freeway divided Hayti. The development of the Research Triangle Park was a dream my father had, andContinue reading “A Proclamation”
Durham History Told from the Grave
To me, the evolution of Durham started with John Ruffin Green and his cured bright leaf tobacco that placed Durham on the map. Malbourne Angier, a store owner, and a passionate citizen of our city made a huge impact on expanding Durham beyond the few store fronts on Main Street. And then there is W.Continue reading “Durham History Told from the Grave”
Durham in Lights
The year is 1913, and Richard Harvey Wright and Julian Carr have acquired a fifty year franchise to provide the city with electric lights and power to run the streetcars. Durham Traction Company has finally begun to see a surge in ridership and now with the license to provide power to the city, they decideContinue reading “Durham in Lights”
Hidden Women
Where did their stories go? As I have studied the men that were known to be the founding fathers of Durham, I began to wonder about the women that loomed in the shadows. We live in a different time where women can shine brightly, but in the late 1800’s, women in Durham were only knownContinue reading “Hidden Women”
1893 in Durham
The year is 1893 in Durham, North Carolina. Julian Shakespeare Carr is the president of the William T. Blackwell Company. This company, with its playful bull painted on the sides of buildings all over the United States, has dominated the industry since the early 1870’s. But there is shift in the winds. Just across theContinue reading “1893 in Durham”