Near Laurel Springs in Alleghany County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Robert Lee Doughton
Robert Lee Doughton, for whom Doughton Park is named, was born in Alleghany County, North Carolina, November 7, 1863. An original and leading advocate of the establishment and development of the Blue Ridge Parkway, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives 1911-1953, Chairman of its Committee on Ways and Means 1933-1947 and 1949-1953.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Blue Ridge Parkway series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 7, 1863.
Location. 36° 25.813′ N, 81° 10.517′ W. Marker is near Laurel Springs, North Carolina, in Alleghany County. Marker is on Blue Ridge Parkway (at milepost 241). Marker is located at the parking lot for Wildcat Overlook just past the Doughton Park Picnic area and Bluffs Lodge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 45338 Blue Ridge Parkway, Laurel Springs NC 28644, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Brinegar Family (approx. 1.8 miles away); Brinegar Cabin (approx. 1.8 miles away); Making Linsey-Woolsey (approx. 1.8 miles away); A Mountain Home (approx. 1.8 miles away); An Outdoor Pantry (approx. 1.8 miles away); Making Shoes (approx. 1.8 miles away); Mountain Spring (approx. 1.8 miles away); Tillers of the Land - Then and Now (approx. 2.9 miles away).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Robert Lee Doughton
Also see . . .
1. Robert L. Doughton (1863-1954). North Carolina History Project website entry:
Doughton’s political support for the New Deal seemed at odds with his personal beliefs. He personally opposed policies like the pro-union Wagner Act. Yet he allowed New Deal legislation like the National Industrial Recovery Act and the Social Security Act to pass through his committee unchallenged. This was partly due to his admiration for FDR; he once claimed, “The President is the finest man to work [with] I ever saw.” Doughton is credited with writing the country’s first social security law. Doughton retired from Congress in 1952. He died October 1, 1954, in Laurel Springs. His name lives on in Doughton Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. (Submitted on June 8, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Doughton Park. Blue Ridge Parkway website entry:
The Brinegar Cabin, craft demonstrations, and diverse hiking options make Doughton Park a must-experience destination along the Parkway. This area has one of the Parkway’s larger campgrounds, a popular picnic area and more than 30 miles of hiking trails that access forested slopes, streams and backcountry in Basin Cove. The Cove is popular for fly-fishing, horseback riding (Grassy Gap Fire Road) and backcountry camping. (Submitted on June 8, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2009, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,802 times since then and 63 times this year. Last updated on December 23, 2015, by Benny Hayslett of Shelby, North Carolina. Photos: 1. submitted on November 10, 2009, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2. submitted on April 1, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on December 8, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 10, 2009, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.