Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence, which will be celebrated in 2026, the Stanly County Historical Society decided to start with the 250th anniversary of Boone Trace, which is being celebrated in 2025.
This is the story of a new beginning: the start of America’s first westward movement 250 years ago, in 1775.
Award-winning author, columnist, speaker and storyteller Randell Jones will be at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Albemarle at 7 p.m. March 18 to share the story of Daniel Boone and the importance of Boone Trace.
Jones will have copies of his book “In the Footsteps of Daniel Boone” for sale.
Come learn about the marking of Boone Trace into Kentucky 250 years ago.
Follow the historic route that Daniel Boone marked from Tennessee and Virginia through the Cumberland Gap into the Kentucky wilderness to establish Fort Boonesborough just as the American Revolution began. It was a revolutionary idea born in North Carolina.
Also, hear the story that made Daniel Boone internationally famous during his lifetime.
Follow his footprints across 86 years and over wilderness terrain, which would become 11 states.
The presentation is free and open to the public.
The Historical Society will accept donations to be sent to help mountain neighbors recover from Tropical Storm Helene.
Registration is encouraged. Go to www.historicstanly.org and click on the Event Registration tab. Be sure to click Submit to complete your registration.