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Watauga County and the Civil War

Historian Michael C. Hardy To Speak April 1

Story by Anna Oakes

Historian Michael C. Hardy will discuss Watauga County and the Civil War on Tuesday, April 1, at 5:15 p.m. at the Watauga Public Library. Curious about what transpired along Cove Creek and the Watauga River during the Civil War? Find out when award-winning author and historian Michael C. Hardy speaks at the Watauga County Historical Society’s meeting on Tuesday, April 1.

The talk, an exploration of the Civil War and its influence on the High Country, takes place at the Watauga County Public Library at 5:15 p.m.

Historical Society Vice President Bettie Bond said the organization has recently been revived, and this meeting will be its first in several years.

“We think this is a great way to get the interest in the club again,” Bond said.

Hardy is a longtime resident of western North Carolina who has dedicated himself to preserving the history of the region. Among his works are histories of Watauga, Avery and Caldwell counties, the 37th North Carolina Troops, the Confederacy and Gettysburg.

He is the author of eight books and numerous articles and is the editor of the newsletter for the Avery County Historical Society and Museum. He is currently at work on a book about the 58th North Carolina Troops who came from Watauga, Ashe, Caldwell, Mitchell, McDowell and Yancey counties and fought in east Tennessee and with the Army of Tennessee.

Two of Hardy’s books, Battle of Hanover Court House: Turning Point of the Peninsula Campaign and A Short History of Old Watauga County won the Willie Parker Peace History Book Award from the North Carolina Society of Historians in 2006.

Hardy has participated in hundreds of Civil War reenactments from Florida to Pennsylvania, including the 135th Gettysburg—the largest reenactment ever held. He has volunteered as an interpreter for local museums and state and national parks and has presented hundreds of programs for schools, libraries, scout troops and churches. In addition, Hardy is a photographer and collector of books and Civil War artifacts.

At the end of 2004, Hardy left the professional world to devote himself full time to writing history. He lives not far from Grandfather Mountain with his wife Elizabeth and their children, Nathaniel and Isabella.

The Watauga County Historical Society’s remaining 2008 meeting dates are June 3, September 2 and December 2.

The Watauga Public Library is located at 140 Queen Street in Boone. For more info, call the library at 828-264-8784.

Want To Go?

Date: Tuesday, April 1
Time: 5:15 p.m.
Location: Watauga Public Library
Cost: Free