Harnett County

by Brice Woodell
Fall 2000

Harnett County was created by an act of the North Carolina Legislature on February 8, 1855. Named after Cornelius Harnett (1723-1781).(1) The Harnett area was settled in the early 1700's when the Highland Scots first arrived in the Cape Fear Valley. Among their chief neighbors were Ulster-Scots, Englishmen, Welshmen, Frenchmen, and a few Germans.(2)

Harnett County is located near the geographical center of the state, and lies between the two metropolitan areas of Fayetteville and Raleigh. The land is diverse in geography, with the western part of the county lying in the Piedmont region, and the eastern part found in the Coastal Plain. Meanwhile, the southwestern portion of the county is a part of the condensed Sandhills physiographic region. The sandhills are also where you will find nearly 500 feet in elevation, the highest in Harnett County. "The most prominent and influential physical feature in Harnett is the Cape Fear River, which bisects the county into almost equal halves. In fact when legislation was being debated to create the county back in 1855, the region nearly received the name Cape Fear County."(2) Being the largest river contained entirely within the state of North Carolina, the Cape Fear crosses a fall line in Harnett, giving the river a uniquely rugged character not seen elsewhere along its course.(2) The Cape Fear plays host to an excellent array of fish, making it a hot spot for local fishermen. There have been stories told from special unit divers that swear there are catfish at the bottom of the river that are big as full grown men. Regardless of the truth, the Cape Fear is a majestic creation of nature, and is truly one of North Carolina's greatest treasures.

Harnett, throughout history has been a predominately rural county inhabited by small and middle-class farmers who have throughout history produced just about every crop grown in the south. Cotton was a very important crop in Harnett County during the 18th and 19th centuries. Yet, it was tobacco that would become dominant around the early 20th century, therefore changing the complexity of agriculture in Harnett County forever. Another agriculture commodity in Harnett was the production of naval stores-tar, pitch, and turpentine. Though it was the destruction of the longleaf pine ecosystem, which was essential in the naval store industry, that caused its disappearance prior to World War I. Longleaf pines once flourished in the Harnett area, but are only a memory now. Despite being a rural county, Harnett has also played host to much industry. Erwin Mills, before just recently being closed down, was the world's largest denim factory, and the largest civilian employer in the county.(2)

Harnett County is 595 square miles in diameter, and as of 1990 had a population of 67822 people.(1) Unable to find the climatic conditions of Harnett County, I found the data in Dunn, Harnett's most populated city, was a mean temperature of 59.9 degrees and an annual average rainfall of 45.19 inches annually.(3) Lillington, located near the center, is the capital of Harnett County. Other towns include Dunn, Erwin, Coats, Angier, Buise Creek, and a host of other small towns.

Buise Creek, is the home of Campbell University, a private university, that has an excellent undergraduate program, but is better known for its prominent law school. Campbell also owns one of the state's finest golf courses in Keith Hills Country Club. There you can find 18 championship holes, and they are currently in the process of adding 18 more holes.

Another landmark in Harnett County, is Averasboro Battleground. The "Battle of Averasboro", took place on March 16, 1885. The purpose of this battle was of huge significance. This battle was not only the stage setter for the infamous "battle of Bentonville", but it also served as a delay tactic to keep Gen. Sherman's left and right wings separated long enough for the confederates to defeat the left wing. The objectives were accomplished, and the confederate soldiers claimed victory on that day.(2) The Klu Klux Klan inhabited the town of Averasboro shortly after the war. An informer was able to join their group, and reported them to the U.S. Marshals. Fleeing for their lives, the Klansmen went to Texas. The town of Averasboro was never able to recover, and was lost at that time forever.(4)

Dunn, which now claims some of the land that used to be Averasboro, is the proud home to one of the greatest innovators in U.S. military history. General William C. Lee, known as "the father of the U.S. Army Airborne", he helped start the 82nd airborne. The airborne crew proved to be a pivotal part in turning World War II around. It was Gen. Lee who jumped with his troops behind enemy lines, the night before D-Day was to take place. He and his men paved the way to a whole new arsenal in military tactics. Dunn honored this brave American hero, by building a museum where you can learn all about the man, as well as the soldier.

In the small town of Lillington, hides one of the most beautiful places in all of North Carolina, Raven Rock. The world is at your feet as you over look the Cape Fear River on this 152-foot mystery of nature. Jutting out at a 45-degree angle, Raven Rock provides you with a sense of indescribable happiness and fulfillment. With other features such as Lanier Falls, and Northington Lock, there is no wonder why 98,303 visitors came in 1997 alone. The fishing traps at Raven Rock are said to be one of the best places to fish on the Cape Fear River. You also have 3,549 acres to, hike, ride your bike, go horseback riding, or plan a family picnic. Whatever it is you decide to do, Raven Rock would be the perfect place to do it.

In closing Harnett County, isn't a place that will impress anyone with big malls and lots of people, it has an underlying quality. It is your quintessential, down south, All-American county. Whose mystique lies within her undying heritage. The appeal of her is one you can't describe, but yet leaves you feeling fresh and rejuvenated both physically and mentally. It's the endless view of dew-covered fields, and the fresh air on cool Autumn day, its you, its me, its home.

Created December 11, 2000
Updated May 17, 2003