Traphill, North Carolina facts for kids
Traphill is a small, quiet community located in the northeastern part of Wilkes County, North Carolina. It's nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The U.S. Census Bureau lists Traphill as a special area for counting population, called a ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA). In the year 2000, about 1,936 people lived here. One of North Carolina's most popular places to visit, Stone Mountain State Park, is also found in Traphill. The ZIP Code for Traphill is 28685.
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History
Trap Hill's Name
Back in 1775, a settler named William Blackburn moved to the northern edge of Wilkes County, near where Stone Mountain State Park is today. He created a clever trap for wild turkeys using rails. Many people believe that these popular turkey traps are how the town got its name, "Traphill." Early settlers often built their homes along the Roaring River's beginnings.
Chang and Eng Bunker
In 1839, two famous brothers, Chang and Eng Bunker, moved to Traphill. They were known as the "Siamese twins" and had traveled all over Europe, Asia, and North America. The brothers bought a 110-acre (45 ha) farm and lived there until 1849. They married two local sisters, Chang married Adelaide Yates, and Eng married Sarah Ann Yates. Chang and Adelaide had ten children, while Eng and Sarah had twelve.
Traphill During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, many people in Traphill did not support the idea of states leaving the Union. They were known for supporting the Union Army. A local resident, John Quincy Adams Bryan, helped gather men from the area to join the Union Army. In August 1863, a group of Traphill citizens who supported the Union marched into Wilkesboro. They proudly raised a Union flag in front of the county courthouse during a rally.
Because Traphill was known for supporting the Union, many people who had left the Confederate army, outlaws, and others seeking safety moved to the area. Traphill residents often helped Confederate soldiers who had left their posts and Union prisoners of war escape from Confederate forces.
Traphill in the 20th Century
During the Prohibition era in the 1920s and 1930s, when alcohol was not allowed, Traphill became a place where a lot of homemade drinks were produced. Making these drinks became a main way for many families in Traphill to earn money. Even until the 1980s, the town continued to produce large amounts of these homemade drinks each year. People in Traphill made drinks from sugar and grain to sell, and fruit "brandy" for themselves. Apple and peach brandies are still common today. From the 1920s to the 1960s, government agents and police often searched the hills for places where these drinks were made.
Today, Traphill is mostly a peaceful farming community. It is famous for its beautiful mountain views. Stone Mountain State Park, one of North Carolina's most popular state parks, is located in Traphill. Because of the park, many people from other states, especially Florida, have built summer homes in the area.
The Holbrook Farm and the Traphill Historic District are special places listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
