Robeson County

by Shannon Oxendine
Fall 2001

Robeson County is located on the Atlantic Coastal Plain of Southeastern North Carolina. Encompassing an area of approximately 950 square miles, Robeson is the second largest county in the state and is home to "The Land of the Lumbee." Formed in 1787 from Bladen County, Robeson has seen several boundary changes in the past years. Territory was lost to Cumberland County in 1791 and to Hoke in 1911.

The earliest European settlers, of record, in what is now Robeson County arrived in the region during the early eighteenth century. The area around Rowland was claimed by English and a few French settlers. Scots settled in what is now the Maxton area. The first settlers encountered a group of Indians who reportedly spoke some English and used primitive agriculture practices. The exact orgins of these Indians, now known as the Lumbee Indians, is unknown, but one romantic theory widely held by the Lumbees is that they are descendants of Sir Walter Raleigh's Lost Colony of 1587.

The census of 2000 indicated that within 30 miles of Robeson County there is a population base of over 119,189 people. This place offers the best of both worlds: rural and pristine natural surroundings and industrial areas and town.

Let's take a look at how Robeson came to be and some of its geological features. The bedrock of the county is composed of volcanic slate at approximately 300-600 feet below the surface. The bedrock was formed during the Precambrian Age (3,500 million years ago). It is characterized by a distinct west to east slope, believed to average about 35 feet of gradient change per mile. Surficial deposists consist largely of unconsolidated sediments formed during the Plicene and upper Crataceous Periods. Gravel, sand, clay, and limestone are the most predominant constituents of the surface materials. These surficial deposits resulted from the deposition of marine, fresh water, and continental sediments on the volcanic bedrock. The largest geologic formation is the Black Creek Formation, which developed following the retreat of the ocean millions of years ago.

Now that we have a greatly formed county we must see what kind of towns and industrial areas revolve around the Lumbee population. Visit Robeson County and you will discover the pristine Lumber, designated a natural and pristine scenic river, winding its way through Lumberton. Nearby is the Robeson County Educational Resource Planetarium, which offers programs tailored for children by grade levelas well as public workshops. There are 31 parks in the county and three golf courses. The town of Red Springs hosts the Highland Games, a reminder of the Scots who helped settle the county in eighteetnth century. The Humprhey Williams Smith House and Plantation has been in continious family ownershipsince its establishment in 1772. It is Robeson's oldest national register site and home to the only known surviving Confederat Post Office building. Lumbee Indians, some of whom are thought to be descendents of Sir Walter Raleigh's colony of 1587, regulary hold pow wows. The Lumbee are the largest Native American tribe in the nation without a reservation. They center their activities in Pembroke at the Indian Cultural Center and The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Here in the picture we see Marcus Pierce, a Lumbee Indian drummer, who awaits patiently to support his heritage as they give money to the Indian Cultural Center. [Picture not available.]

As you enjoy the quality of life in Robeson County, you have the opportunity to live in a historic setting or a brand new house of you choice. To locate near an interstate or somewhat removed in the pastoral settings of the many communities that make up the Great State of Robeson. In this marvelous climate many people have their own gardens, vegetables and flowers. Many are gardeners and some are in garden clubs. Springtime in Robeson County is about what the Garden of Eden must have looked like. For non-growers, there is a fantastic farmers market, roadside stands, and pick-your-own. For some the only garden is the golf course. Just imagine 200 courses within two hours! Pinehurst is only 60 minutes away from Robeson, and all the Myrtle Beach courses are less than two hours away.

To learn in higher education, UNC-Pembroke is the answer! To learn for a hobby or self improvement, Robeson Community College enrichment courses are an answer, along with many other offerings. Recreational activities are plentiful in and around Robeson. Rivers, lakes, and ponds are in abundance throughout the county. The beautiful beaches of the Atlantic coast are only 90 minutes away. The Blue Ridge Parkway is only thress hours away for those seeking mountain refuge. Shopping malls and department stores are close at hand for shoppers in the crowd.

Created November 19, 2001
Updated May 26, 2003