Preserving the Heritage of Randolph County

      Randolph County is one of the places where the Industrial Revolution “arrived and thrived” in North Carolina.   In March 1840 the Deep River region’s first modern textile mill began spinning and weaving.  Two years of hard work starting a corporation and building the first brick factory finally paid off in the production of yarn and cloth.  The Franklinsville Manufacturing Company continued to spin and weave until 1978, when it closed.  Today the factory is one of the oldest surviving water-powered cotton mills in North Carolina and the South.

In March 2010 the North Carolina Rural Center awarded a $20,000 grant to begin the process of reclaiming this historic factory.  Local supporters have already pledged an additional $5,000 match.  Your contribution of any amount will match the Rural Center’s investment, and fund additional clean up and construction work.

The Randolph Heritage Conservancy, Inc. is a private, non-profit North Carolina corporation which is recognized as exempt from income taxes under section  501 (c )(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Its Mission is to help Randolph County residents and visitors appreciate our local history and natural environment by preserving, interpreting and providing public access to historic properties and natural landscapes.

Its Goals include purchasing and maintaining historic properties and natural areas in Randolph County;  providing for their future protection by renovation or legal restriction; operating them as parks, museums, or tourist attractions; engaging in preservation and conservation research and educational programs; and interpreting the heritage of the county to its citizens.

Your Gift in any  amount will support renovation of the 1838 Franklinville Manufacturing Company factory, the creation and maintenance of greenway trails along Deep River, and other projects of the Randolph Heritage Conservancy.  Donations are tax deductible.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!