Ayden in Pitt County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Washington's Southern Tour
Photographed By Mike Stroud, April 19, 2013
1. Washington's Southern Tour Marker, 222 years ago today
Erected 1939 by Division of Archives and History. (Marker Number F-10.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, the George Washington Slept Here, and the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 19, 1779.
Location. 35° 28.149′ N, 77° 25.073′ W. Marker is in Ayden, North Carolina, in Pitt County. Marker is on Lee Street near West 5th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ayden NC 28513, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Former Colleges (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veteran's Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort Fisher Hero (approx. 2.6 miles away); Scuffleton Bridge (approx. 3.9 miles away); Haddocks Crossroads (approx. 4 miles away); Blount Hall (approx. 5.2 miles away); John Lawson (approx. 6.6 miles away); Catechna (approx. 6.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ayden.
Regarding Washington's Southern Tour.
this page online
George Washington, Revolutionary War hero elected as the first president of the United States in February 1789, is one of the most celebrated figures in American history. For more than two centuries, the story of his eventful life has been marked by both truth and legend. The concept of the presidency was new, and Washington was fully aware that his decisions would set precedents. He resolved to tour the United States to observe political climate and culture, to thank his supporters, and to instill a sense of unity in the new country. As such, his tour and stops along the way became important landmarks in the areas he touched. Washington’s stature in history is almost mythical, and has given rise to the popular claim—in well-known towns and obscure hamlets along the Eastern Seaboard—that “George Washington Slept Here.” The claims are not surprising, however, as Washington saw more of his country while in office than any other American president before the twentieth century. He also kept a detailed diary chronicling his travels.
While on tour, he sought differing viewpoints and wanted to see and be seen by as many people as possible. Soon after taking office, he planned and undertook a successful 28-day tour of New England.
In early 1791, after establishing a site for the new “Federal District” along the Potomac River, Washington
Photographed By Mike Stroud, April 19, 2013
2. Washington's Southern Tour Marker seen along Lee Street, looking south
carriage tour took him through Tarboro, Greenville, New Bern, Trenton, and Wilmington before entering South Carolina. Washington re-entered North Carolina near Charlotte and traveled northward, visiting Salisbury, Salem, and Guilford Court House.
After two nights in Halifax, Washington left on the morning of Monday, April 18 for Tarboro. He remarked that the town of Tarborough was “more lively and thriving” than Halifax. Washington was met at the Roanoke River by Col. John B. Ashe, who escorted him into town. Washington’s procession was welcomed by a salute from a single cannon but the effort was appreciated by the President. While in town, Washington was entertained at the home of Major Reading Blount. After a single night’s stay, Washington left Tarboro the next morning for Pitt County. (North Carolina Office of Archives & History — Department of Cultural Resources)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 780 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 2, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
