Historical Society shows Rocky River Springs’ connection to White House

The discovery of a letter written by the daughter of a former vice president confirmed a connection between Stanly and the White House, according to a recent presentation in Norwood.

Juneberry Ridge hosted a presentation by the Stanly County Historical Society about nearby Rocky River Springs, which for years served as a regional retreat and included a hotel.

At the presentation, Les Young, outgoing vice president of the society, introduced Norwood native Dr. Nancy Farmer, a former associate superintendent of Orange County Schools.

It was Farmer’s grandmother whose story she was told as a young girl which provided the basis for the presentation.

Farmer introduced keynote speaker Dr. Charles Coble. An Oakboro native, Coble taught for 23 years as a professor of science education at East Carolina University and was the school’s dean of education.

He later served for six years as vice president of University School Programs for all 17 schools in the UNC system.

In her introduction, Farmer noted Coble is the owner of the former mill site along the Rocky River.

“We have a strong connection to Rocky River Springs,” Coble said.

The speaker talked about a story passed down to Farmer from her grandmother about the daughter of Vice President Aaron Burr.

Theodosia Burr Alston sent a letter from Rocky River Springs to the White House on June 24, 1809. The letter was to First Lady Dolley Madison, wife of James Madison, the fourth president of the U.S.

Alston was advocating on her father’s behalf after his fall from grace following his duel with Alexander Hamilton.

Burr had been acquitted of treason, stemming from an attempt to overthrow Spanish rule in Florida and the Mexican government. He lived in exile in Europe to escape creditors while his daughter sent him money.

Places like Rocky River Springs, Coble said, were popular destinations for special events, vacations and celebrations in that time.

According to Coble, thousands of people at one point spent time there over the years. Included in those visitors were the wealthy and famous, he said, like Alston.

Coble shared facts about Burr’s daughter during the presentation. She married future South Carolina Gov. James Alston, and was lost at sea in December 1812 while aboard the schooner Patriot.

The event served as part of a fundraising drive for the historical society.

SportsPlus

News

6 from Stanly County named North Carolina Teaching Fellows

News

Fine Arts Educator of the Year honored by Stanly County Arts Council

News

Stanly Community College to have Transition Fair

News

Stanly County Health Department releases 2024 Community Health Assessment

News

Big Lick Bluegrass Festival returns for 21st year

News

NC NEWSLINE: Proposed pipeline project would harm North Carolina communities, report shows

News

Carolina Christian School announces honor roll

News

DAR honors young writers, video producers

News

Stanly Community College named Bellwether finalist for second consecutive year

News

Stanly Community College to offer practical welding course

News

SPIRIT OF STANLY: Bluegrass is served at Rocky River Springs

News

Friends of the Stanly County Public Library have book sale

News

NC NEWSLINE: Medicaid cuts could hurt older adults who rely on home care, nursing homes

News

SCC honors cosmetology graduates in pinning ceremony

News

DAR honors young writers, video producers

News

Locust Police names Citizen of the Year

News

State prepares for measles prevention amid national increase in cases

News

PEEKING INTO THE PAST: Badin Museum

News

PEEKING INTO THE PAST – Bonnie Smith Culp

News

Former Albemarle city employee files suit alleging wrongful termination, racial discrimination

News

SPIRIT OF STANLY: A dealership built by family

News

Marriage Licenses – February 2025

News

DSS, Butterfly House team up to spread awareness of child abuse

News

Uwharrie Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex to open