High Point in Guilford County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Oldest Colonial Trail

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2010

1. Oldest Colonial Trail Marker

Inscription. Ancient Indian Warrior / Trading Path. A branch passed through Guilford Co. here, ran from the Great Lakes to Georgia. Used by Colonists in Indian Treaty br 1744 but traveled after 1745 at their own risk. Most heavily traveled Early American Road. English, Scotch – Irish, and German Settlers followed the Quakers down this path ca 1750, as the First White Settlers in Guilford Co. Roanoke to Salem to Salisbury to Charlotte.

Erected by North Carolina Society Colonial Dames XVII Century; project of 1997-1999 State President, Mary Ann Groome Hepler.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism, and the The Colonial Dames XVII Century, National Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1744.

Location. 35° 58.772′ N, 79° 59.532′ W. Marker is in High Point, North Carolina, in Guilford County. It is at the intersection of East Lexington Avenue and Terrell Drive, on the left when traveling east on East Lexington Avenue.

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The marker stands on the grounds of the High Point Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1859 E Lexington Ave, High Point NC 27262, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont

and specifically in Piedmont Triad.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Oldest Building in High Point (here, next to this marker); The Hoggat House (a few steps from this marker); Quatercentenary Tree (a few steps from this marker); The Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); The Haley House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Little Red Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 17, 2021

2. Oldest Colonial Trail Marker

marker); a different marker also named Haley House (within shouting distance of this marker); High Point University (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in High Point.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Plank Road (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Little Red Schoolhouse (was about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

High Point Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2010

3. High Point Marker

The Hoggat House, the oldest house in High Point built in 1754, is seen here in the background.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 17, 2021

4. Oldest Colonial Trail Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,682 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 26, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2. submitted on June 19, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on August 26, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on June 19, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.