History of Fayetteville

Foundation and Early Years

The history of Fayetteville begins with two settlements founded on the Cape Fear River. In the 1730s, Scottish settlers established the communities of Campbellton and Cross Creek here. In 1783, following the Revolutionary War, these two towns merged. The new entity was named Fayetteville in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat who supported American forces in the struggle for independence, becoming the first city in the USA named in his honor.

In the late 18th century, the city played an important political role. For a time, Fayetteville even served as the state capital of North Carolina. It was here in 1789 that the state legislature ratified the US Constitution and made the decision to establish the University of North Carolina.

Key Factors of Development

Geographical location became a defining factor in Fayetteville's development. The city grew as an important trade and government center thanks to its location on the Cape Fear River, which was a key navigable route in the region. This provided a connection to coastal cities and contributed to the prosperity of trade.

• Trade Routes: Its location on the river made Fayetteville a center of commerce for farmers and merchants from the state's interior.
• Plank Road System: In the mid-19th century, the city became a hub for a unique system of plank roads, which significantly improved land transport and strengthened its status as a trade hub.
• Political Significance: In the years immediately following the revolution, the city was one of the state's political centers where decisions key to North Carolina's future were made.

Early Economy and Culture

Fayetteville's early economy was closely tied to trade. The city served as a transshipment point for goods such as timber, flour, wheat, and naval stores (pine resin products), which were sent downriver to Wilmington. The region's first settlers were predominantly from Scotland, which left a mark on the local culture. In 1789, the first city newspaper, "The Fayetteville Gazette," began publication, testifying to the growth of cultural life.

Timeline of Fayetteville's History

Fayetteville has a rich history marked by important political events, military significance, and resilience in the face of adversity. Below are the key moments that shaped the city.

• 1762 — The settlement of Campbellton is founded, which would later become part of the city.
• 1783 — The settlements of Cross Creek and Campbellton merge and are named Fayetteville in honor of the French general Marquis de Lafayette, a hero of the US Revolutionary War.
• 1789 — A convention is held in Fayetteville where North Carolina ratifies the US Constitution and establishes the country's first public university.
• 1825 — The Marquis de Lafayette personally visits the city named in his honor during his tour of America.
• 1831 — The "Great Fire" destroys more than 600 buildings in the city center, leading to massive reconstruction.
• 1838 — Construction of the US Federal Arsenal is completed, strengthening the city's military importance.
• 1865 — During the Civil War, General Sherman's army captures the city and destroys the Arsenal to undermine the Confederacy's military resources.
• 1877 — The "State Colored Normal School" is founded, which eventually evolved into Fayetteville State University.
• 1918 — Camp Bragg (now Fort Liberty) is established near the city, marking the beginning of Fayetteville's transformation into a major military hub.
• 1952 — The US Army Psychological Warfare Center is created at Fort Bragg.
• 1960 — Sit-in protests take place in the city, becoming part of the nationwide Civil Rights Movement.
• 1985 — Fayetteville receives the prestigious "All-America City" title from the National Civic League for the first time.

Key Stages of Fayetteville's Development

Fayetteville's history is a journey from a small trading settlement to an important military and cultural center of North Carolina. Key events have shaped its economy, urban appearance, and public life.

• Political Establishment (1789): Fayetteville played a decisive role in state history when the US Constitution was ratified here on behalf of North Carolina. This event cemented the city's status as an important political center in the country's early development and demonstrated its ambitions.
• The "Great Fire" and Reconstruction (1831): A devastating fire destroyed hundreds of buildings in the city center, including the historic market building. However, this tragedy served as a catalyst for massive reconstruction. The city was rebuilt, leading to the appearance of more modern brick buildings and a renewal of urban planning.
• The Arsenal Era (1838–1865): The construction of the Federal Arsenal turned Fayetteville into a significant military-industrial hub of the South. This contributed to economic growth but also made the city a strategic target during the Civil War. The destruction of the Arsenal in 1865 was a serious economic blow, ending an entire era in the city's history.
• Founding of the University (1877): The creation of the "State Colored Normal School," now known as Fayetteville State University, was a crucial cultural and educational event. This institution provided new opportunities for the African American population and eventually grew into a major university making a significant contribution to the intellectual and cultural life of the region.
• Emergence of Fort Bragg (1918): The founding of the military base, now known as Fort Liberty, radically changed Fayetteville's destiny. The base became the largest employer and the main engine of the economy, causing rapid population growth and infrastructure development. The city and the base remain closely linked to this day, forming a unique socio-economic landscape.
• "All-America City" Recognition: Fayetteville has received the prestigious "All-America City" title four times (in 1985, 2001, 2011, and 2023). This award is given for successfully solving local problems through community efforts and is a recognition of civic engagement, inclusivity, and the ability to work together to improve the quality of life.

Fayetteville's architectural appearance is the living history of the city, reflecting its development from an early trading post to a modern center. Having survived a devastating fire and several phases of rapid growth, the city has preserved examples of key American architectural styles that can be seen in its historic districts and iconic structures.

Early Period and Post-Fire Heritage

Fayetteville's initial development, dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was predominantly wooden. During this period, styles such as Federal and Georgian developed. However, the "Great Fire" of 1831 destroyed more than 600 buildings, including the old State Capitol. This tragic event triggered a massive reconstruction of the city center. New buildings were erected from brick in the then-popular Greek Revival style, symbolizing resilience and renewal.

• Market House: Built in the 1830s on the site of the burned Capitol, this structure is Fayetteville's most recognizable symbol. Its unique architecture combines elements of European market buildings with arcades on the ground floor, as well as features of Italianate and Gothic Revival styles.
• Heritage Square: Houses demonstrating architecture from before and after the fire are preserved here, including the Sandford House (c. 1800) and the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House, which provide insight into the lives of wealthy citizens in the 19th century.

Victorian Era and Early 20th Century

In the late 19th century, as the city recovered and grew, elegant Victorian-style homes began to appear along streets such as Person Street. This period is characterized by intricate details, asymmetrical facades, and decorative elements. In the early 20th century, the architectural landscape was enriched with more restrained but functional styles.

• Queen Anne Style: Examples of this style can be found in historic residential areas such as Haymount.
• Colonial Revival and Bungalow: These styles became popular in the early 20th century, reflecting the growth of residential neighborhoods around the historic center.
• Commercial Architecture: In the 1920s, new commercial buildings were constructed in the city center, including the Prince Charles Hotel, signaling an economic upturn.

Modern Development and Suburbanization

Since the mid-20th century, Fayetteville's urban development has been inextricably linked to the growth of the Fort Bragg military base (now Fort Liberty). This led to rapid population growth and the formation of extensive suburban areas. The architecture of this period is largely functional and includes modernist trends and mass residential development. The development of large shopping centers, such as Cross Creek Mall, in the 1970s shifted commercial activity from the historic center to the suburbs. Today, revitalization efforts for the center focus on preserving historical heritage, including the Downtown Fayetteville Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Notable Figures Associated with Fayetteville

Fayetteville, with its rich military, political, and cultural history, has been the birthplace or an important stage in the lives of many prominent figures. These individuals have left their mark not only on the city's history but also on a national and international level.

• Hiram Rhodes Revels (1827–1901): A Fayetteville native, Revels made history as the first African American elected to the US Senate. Born to free parents, he became a minister and helped organize regiments of African American soldiers for the Union Army during the Civil War. His election to the Senate from Mississippi in 1870 was a landmark event of the Reconstruction era.
• James C. Dobbin (1814–1857): A prominent politician and lawyer from Fayetteville, Dobbin served as US Secretary of the Navy under President Franklin Pierce. During his leadership, the US Navy underwent significant modernization, building some of the most advanced ships of the time. He also successfully oversaw Commodore Perry's expedition to Japan.
• Frank Porter Graham (1886–1972): Born in Fayetteville, Graham was an influential educator and public figure. He served as President of the University of North Carolina (UNC) and was known for his progressive views on civil rights and academic freedom. Later, he was appointed as a US Senator and worked as a UN mediator.
• Julianne Moore (born 1960): The world-renowned actress and Oscar winner was born at Fort Bragg, the military base located within Fayetteville. Although her family moved frequently due to her father's military service, her place of birth forever linked her to this city. Moore is known for her roles in films such as "Still Alice," "The Hours," and "Boogie Nights."
• J. Cole (Jermaine Lamarr Cole, born 1985): One of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation, J. Cole grew up in Fayetteville. The city and his youth on Forest Hills Drive are frequently mentioned in his work. He is known not only for his music but also for his community work aimed at supporting youth in his hometown. Murals dedicated to him can be found in Fayetteville, highlighting his significance to the local community.