Encyclopedia of North Carolina

“The Encyclopedia of North Carolina is the culmination of the splendid scholarly career of William Powell, our state’s preeminent historian. The Encyclopedia belongs in every home and every library— it’s that important.” —William Friday

“The Encyclopedia of North Carolina is one of the most valuable reference resources produced to date, loaded with information every North Carolinian should know. The subject areas covered provide not only historical facts but also great insight about how the journey unfolded to bring us to where we are today in North Carolina. The piece on education, especially, offered me a valuable new perspective on how our education system has developed.” —Howard N. Lee, Chairman, North Carolina State Board of Education

“The Encyclopedia of North Carolina, a carefully researched and beautifully written work by William S. Powell and numerous authors and editors, completes the trilogy of reference works that also includes The North Carolina Gazetteer and the Dictionary of North Carolina Biography. Powell and associates have captured our state and her people in a generous and encompassing work that is truly magnificent and that will be a valued addition to every library, public and private, in our state and nation. An immense project that required more than fifteen years to complete, this volume adds stature to our state and brings honor to its authors. Bravo and Thanks!” —Betty Ray McCain, former Secretary, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources

“This is a book to admire and learn from. With over 2,000 carefully selected scholarly, current, and readable entries, it offers much that is essential to understanding the history, development, and modern characteristics of North Carolina.” —John H. Haley, Emeritus, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

“Once again William S. Powell has delivered an indispensable reference work on North Carolina. Readers of the Encyclopedia of North Carolina will be enriched, informed, and amused by this comprehensive guide to North Carolina’s history, culture, and geography.” —Jeffrey J. Crow, Deputy Secretary of Archives and History, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources