Archive for the 'Around Town' Category

Depot Park and Railroad House Museum in Sanford, NC

Posted by Rita on Aug 20 2007 | Around Town, Things to do

Sanford started as a railroad town where two different lines crossed in 1871. One of the first homes built was for the depot agent of the Raleigh and Augusta Airline Railroad. This house was built around 1872 at what is now the crossing of Hawkins Street and Charlotte Avenue. The home served as one of Sanford’s first schools and was a home for many years. Railroad House in Downtown Sanford, NC
When the home was slated for demolition in the 1960s, a group saved the house. It was moved across the street and is now a museum of local history, with a focus on railroads in particular, which were a key part of Sanford’s early history. The museum is frequently opened on the weekends during the spring, summer, and fall months. We visited on a Saturday afternoon and enjoyed browsing around for an hour or so. The museum has old railroad artifacts, farm implements, pictures, typewritters, and an assorment of objects from Sanford’s past. We especially enjoyed vinatge Boy Scout uniforms from my son’s Scout troop.
Steam Locomotive in Depot Park Sanford, NC This old steam locomotive sits between the Railroad House museum and the Old Railroad Depot in Depot Park. The locomotive is from the Atlantic and Western Railroad. The locomotive was a hit with my daughter who wanted to know the function of every part and piece!
This is a picture of the old railroad depot in Downtown Sanford, NC. The depot currently serves as the headquarters for the Sanford Board of Realtors. The Railroad House Museum and Old Steam Locomotive #12 are on one side of the depot and an ampitheater and park are on the other side. Old Sanford Railroad Depot
During the warmer months, Depot Park hosts concerts and other leisure activities. The park features a bandstand, play area, public restrooms, and a splash fountain. The park is an enjoyable place to visit on a warm afternoon for a walk, a visit to the museum, to sit while the children play, or to listen to a concert.

You can find out more about Depot Park and downtown Sanford at the Historic Downtown Sanford website.

To find out more about homes in Sanford, NC and neighborhoods in the area, visit the Sanford NC Neighborhoods page on my website.
You can also visit my Sanford NC Real Estate website for more information about Real Estate in the Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County areas.

Rita Taylor
ERA Strother Real Estate
Sanford NC Real Estate
“Taylored” For You!

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Camelback Bridge and Deep River Park near Sanford, NC

Posted by Rita on Aug 19 2007 | Around Town, Things to do

Camelback Bridge near Sanford NC One of the oldest bridges in the Sanford area goes over Deep River from Lee to Chatham County. This bridge is called Camelback Bridge and is named for the hump shape the steel trusses on the bridge make.
There is a small park st the site of this bridge called Deep River park. There are a couple of picnic shelters at the park. The shelter on the right is designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Picnic shelter
Deep River below Camelback Bridge The scenery around the bridge is very lush and green. This park is frequently used as a put in and take out point for local canoers and kayakers. The park is also used by local fishermen (and women) as a fishing spot.
Camelback Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Camelback Bridge plaque
Deep River from Camelback Bridge We had a beautiful view of the Deep River from the bridge on the day of our visit. To get to the park, take Cumnock Road North from US 421. Follow the road until you cross the Deep River and the park will be on your left.

To find out more about homes in Lee County visit the Lee County NC Neighborhoods page on my website. Contact me today to help you find the right home for you.

You can also visit my Sanford NC Homes website for more information about homes in Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County in North Carolina.

Rita Taylor

ERA Strother Real Estate

Sanford NC Real Estate

“Taylored” For You!

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Sanford NC Things to do: House in the Horseshoe

Posted by Rita on Jul 15 2007 | Around Town, Things to do

House in the Horseshoe
House in the Horseshoe near Sanford, NC The house in the Horseshoe is a historic site just West of Sanford, NC. The house was built around 1772, and was named after the horseshoe bend in the Deep River that goes around the home. The home sits on top of a hill, giving sweeping views of the countryside.
The house was made famous by a skirmish between patriots and loyalists during the revolutionary war. The home’s owner, Phillip Alston, was a Colonel in the patriot army. Colonel Alston had angered the local loyalist forces when his men accidentally killed a prisoner they held.

Battle at House in the Horseshoe
On the morning of August 5, 1781, loyalist forces camped around the house were attacked by a larger group of loyalists led by David Fanning. Alston’s men fled back into the home, and neither side was able to overcome the other. House in the Horseshoe Encampment near Sanford, NC
Mrs. Alston and the children sought refuge by standing inside the chimney of the home. When the loyalists decided to set the home on fire, the Mrs. Alston bravely went to the front porch and negotiated a truce.

Battle Reenactment
House in the Horseshoe Battle Many of the bullet holes from the original skirmish still remain. The battle is reenacted twice a year, once in the spring and again around the anniversary of the battle. This August the reenactment will be held August 4th and 5th. During this time, reenactors will camp out at the site.

Reenactment Activities
During reenactment weekends, the battle is staged several times. It is exciting to see all the muskets shooting back and forth. The hero of the battle, Mrs. Alston, gets to come out and stop the silly boys from fighting. There are vendors selling reproduction rifles and muskets. Other vendors sell cloth and clothing, as well as toys and food. House in the Horseshoe Battle Reenactment near Sanford, NC

House in the Horseshoe Hours
House in the Horseshoe Battle 2 During the rest of the year, the house is open on the following schedule:

  • Apr 1 to Oct 31
    • Mon -Sat 9 AM to 5 PM
    • Sun 1 to 5 PM.
  • Nov 1 to Mar 31
    • Tue -Sat 10 AM to 4 PM
    • Sun 1 to 4 PM
    • Closed Mon

To get to House in the Horseshoe from Sanford, take NC 42 West until you cross into Chatham County, then look for the signs and turn left and go south for about 4 miles and then turn right at the sign for the House in the Horseshoe.

To find out about Lee County, NC homes, visit the Lee County Neighborhood Information page on my website.

For more information about Real Estate in the Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County areas, you can also visit my Sanford NC homes website.

Rita Taylor

ERA Strother Real Estate

Sanford NC Real Estate

“Taylored” For You!

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