Robert Lee "Bob" Doughton (November 7, 1863 – October 1, 1954), of Alleghany County, North Carolina , sometimes known as " Farmer Bob ", was a member of the United States House of Representatives from North Carolina for 42 consecutive years (1911–1953). A Democrat originally from Laurel Springs, North Carolina , he was the Dean of the United States House of Representatives for his last few months in Congress. He is the longest-serving member ever of the United States House of Representatives from the state of North Carolina . In the 1930s Doughton was a key player in the creation of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the passage of the Social Security Act .
40-444: Doughton may refer to: People Robert L. Doughton (1863–1954) North Carolina politician Rufus A. Doughton (1857–1946) North Carolina politician, brother of Robert Shannon Doughton , alias of musician Britt Walford Places Doughton, Gloucestershire , England, hamlet, location of Highgrove House Doughton, Norfolk , England, hamlet Topics referred to by
80-668: A decade, drawing a sellout crowd to the CARS Tours Window's World 125. In September 2022 it was announced that the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race would be held in May 2023 at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, marking the first NASCAR race to be held at the track since its closure in 1996. The Downtown Main Street Historic District , Thomas B. Finley House , Southern Railway Depot , and Wilkes Hosiery Mills are listed on
120-471: A female householder with no husband present, and 42.5% were non-families. 39.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 3.01. In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
160-653: A gift shop. North Wilkesboro recently welcomed the Yadkin River Greenway which was created through the cooperative efforts of citizen volunteers, landowners, and the governments of Wilkes County, North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro, and the State of North Carolina. The effort began in 1994, and the first phase of the greenway was opened on May 18, 2002. The Yadkin River Greenway Council, a non-profit community organization, provided coordination and leadership. The Greenway
200-569: Is a natural area between urban communities where wildlife, vegetation, and streams are preserved and enjoyed. The Greenway contains biking, jogging, and walking trails which follow the Yadkin River and Reddies River for several miles between the towns of North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro . The Yadkin River Greenway offers over 1.7 miles (2.7 km) of paved trails to form over 5.1 miles (8.2 km) of current trails with more extensions to come in
240-563: Is bordered to the south by the Yadkin River and the Town of Wilkesboro. Running through the eastern portion of the town is the Reddies River which flows from North to South and unites with the Yadkin. Hoopers Branch , a tributary to the Reddies River, rises on the north side of North Wilkesboro. The town serves as the junction point for NC State Highways 18 and 268 and is within one mile (1.6 km) to
280-584: Is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Robert L. Doughton Doughton's father was a captain in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War ; he named his son Robert after Confederate General Robert E. Lee . Robert earned the equivalent of a high-school diploma from the Traphill Academy. Although he never attended college, he
320-635: The National Register of Historic Places . Wilkes Medical Center, founded in 1951 as Wilkes General Hospital, is located in North Wilkesboro. It is the largest hospital in northwestern North Carolina and is currently the town's largest employer. West Park, formerly a large shopping center built in the 1970s, has recently been transformed into a large medical park with numerous offices for physicians, medical specialists, pharmacies, physical therapists, and other medical and health-related fields. In 2017,
360-627: The "Key to the Blue Ridge" and is adjacent to the Brushy Mountains , Stone Mountain State Park , and the Blue Ridge Parkway . Located a few miles away, the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir offers its visitors a pristine wilderness to go mountain biking, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, hunting, and fishing around its 55-mile (89 km) shoreline. The Town of North Wilkesboro is located in
400-570: The "Key to the Blue Ridge". North Wilkesboro was founded in 1891 when the Norfolk and Southern Railroad built a railroad line into Wilkes County. The line ended on the northern bank of the Yadkin River opposite Wilkesboro , the county seat. The town of North Wilkesboro quickly developed around the railroad tracks. North Wilkesboro was home of the Carolina Mirror Company, which for many years
440-399: The 5.9 inches of average total snowfall, but the lack of any snow depth. North Wilkesboro has a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ) and the hardiness zone is 7B. - As of the 2020 United States census , there were 4,131 people, 1,862 households, and 962 families residing in the town. The population density was 622.08 inhabitants per square mile (240.19/km ). The average household size
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#1733202459646480-462: The Speedway held the 8th and final race of the 1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock Division; when the race was over Robert "Red" Byron had become the first NASCAR-sanctioned champion. The North Wilkesboro Speedway held NASCAR races for 50 years; on September 29, 1996 Jeff Gordon would win the final race to be held at the speedway. In 1995, following the death of the long-time owner and track founder Enoch Staley,
520-593: The bank merged in 1936 with several other banks and formed the Northwestern Bank , Doughton briefly served as the new bank's director. His interest in farming led to his being named to the North Carolina Board of Agriculture in 1903; this marked the beginning of his career in politics. Before being elected to Congress, Doughton served one term in the North Carolina Senate (1908–09) and was director of
560-414: The campus of Wilkes Community College. Several private schools also serve the town, most are associated with the larger Protestant churches in the area. Wilkes Community College , located in the neighboring town of Wilkesboro , offers college classes to North Wilkesboro's residents. North Wilkesboro is located along the Yadkin River at the mouth of the Reddies River. North Wilkesboro has long been known as
600-468: The closing of nearly all of its textile and furniture factories, which have moved to low-wage locations in Latin America and Asia . The factories were a major part of the town's economic base. The North Wilkesboro Speedway , located just outside the city limits, predates the founding of NASCAR ; the speedway held its first race on May 18, 1947 and from there it grew in popularity. On October 16, 1949,
640-488: The county with transportation by booking in advance. North Wilkesboro rests in the foothills to the east of the Blue Ridge escarpment; which encompasses the western edge of Wilkes County. The town's position in relation to the abutting mountain system accounts for the mild, yet wet winters and summers. The average annual maximum temperature is 68.7 degrees Fahrenheit with a corresponding minimum annual temperature average of 45.7 degrees. Average annual rainfall (49.6 inches) for
680-563: The downtown and enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations. In addition, many food, craft, and merchandise vendors are lined down Main Street. Downtown Retailers are always open late to kick off the Christmas shopping. The Wilkes Playmakers, an active local theater group, are based in North Wilkesboro; Each year they do 4-5 shows, most shows attracting people from county wide to come see their plays. They also do events year wide. The Wilkes Art Gallery
720-554: The east coast. I-77 serves as the nearest major interstate to the county in addition to the town itself. North Wilkesboro is also in close proximity to NC Highway 16 which runs through Wilkesboro. North Wilkesboro and Wilkes County are served by the Wilkes Transportation Authority , known commonly as the WTA. The WTA provides Wilkes with its only scheduled public transportation service as well providing rural communities within
760-511: The effort to have the town recognized as a Main Street Town; the group also sponsors other events to attract people to the downtown area. The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership is also the founder of the annual 'Shine to Wine Festival. Over the past 20 years, numerous local farmers have moved into the winemaking industry and the wine festival gives local wineries and vineyards a chance to display and publicize their wines. The festival also traces
800-422: The festival selling their apples, apple cider, and dried apples. Light Up Downtown is an annual downtown event focused on the beginning of the Christmas season and the inaugural first day of decorative lights in downtown North Wilkesboro. Santa always makes an appearance to listen to all the children's Christmas wishes. Free pictures are always available to take with Santa. Hayrides are also available to ride around
840-852: The festival, and it is one of the largest single-day arts and crafts fairs in the Southern United States. The festival features music, dancing, artwork, crafts, and food traditional to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The streets of downtown North Wilkesboro, NC are filled with over 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions, and 4 different music stages consisting of Blue Grass, Country, Folk, Gospel, and Appalachian Heritage. Cloggers, folk dancers, rope skippers, and square dancers provide additional entertainment venues for festival goers. Appalachian Heritage crafts such as woodcarving, chair making, soap making, pottery throwing, and quilting are highlighted. Local apple growers set up throughout
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#1733202459646880-637: The heart of Wilkes County, North Carolina in the northwestern corner of the state. Wilkes County is bordered by eight (8) counties. These include the counties of Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Caldwell, Iredell, Surry, Watauga, and Yadkin; thus making the town conveniently juxtaposed to eight county seats and economic hubs; all within a 45-minute drive from town. The town corporate limits cover approximately 7.5 square miles (~ 4,800 acres) of contiguous property with approximately 300 acres in satellite territories. The Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) encompasses roughly 16 square miles (41 km ) or 10,240 acres. The town
920-571: The historical development of Wilkes County liquor from moonshine to wine. The 'Shine to Wine festival is held on the first Saturday in May. Other downtown North Wilkesboro festivals include the Downtown Concert Series and Light Up Downtown. North Wilkesboro is the home of the annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival , which is held to celebrate the apple harvest from the nearby Brushy Mountains . Crowds of over 160,000 people usually attend
960-563: The hospital joined the Wake Forest Baptist Health system. In 2020, Wake Forest Baptist Health was acquired by the Charlotte-based Atrium Health network to form Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. The downtown business district of North Wilkesboro became a recognized Main Street Town in 2000. The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership, a non-profit group that has worked to revitalize the downtown business district, led
1000-723: The near future. North Wilkesboro is served by the Wilkes County Schools system. The elementary schools which serve the town are Mulberry Elementary, North Wilkesboro Elementary, and CC Wright Elementary. Middle school students in North Wilkesboro attend Central Wilkes Middle School in the community of Moravian Falls , located south of the town. The town's high school students attend Wilkes Central High School , based in Moravian Falls, West Wilkes High School , based in Millers Creek , or Wilkes Early College High School, located on
1040-455: The north of US Highway 421. US 421 Business , however, passes through the town and allows transportation to the nearby cities of Winston-Salem and Boone , home of Appalachian State University . The town also serves as the northern end of NC Highway 115, which runs south to Charlotte. North Wilkesboro is approximately 20 minutes west of Interstate 77. Interstate 77 runs North to South, allowing shipping and transportation to travel up and down
1080-579: The parkway is named in his honor. Doughton is also known for introducing the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 , which effectively served as a federal ban on marijuana prohibition in the United States in lieu of federal authority to directly regulate medicines or drugs. North Wilkesboro, North Carolina North Wilkesboro is a town in Wilkes County , North Carolina , United States. The population
1120-520: The physical decay of the track and grandstands, the rich history of the track, and efforts to renovate and reopen the speedway. In November 2021, the North Carolina state legislature and NC Governor Roy Cooper gave $ 18 million to the speedway for extensive repairs and renovations in a major effort to reopen the track for racing. Following the renovations, in August 2022 the speedway held its first races in
1160-574: The region. The Robert L. Doughton House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In private life, Doughton was a prosperous farmer and banker. By 1900 he owned over 5,000 acres (20 km ) of land in his native Alleghany County, North Carolina , where he raised herds of prized Hereford and Holstein cows. He was also the owner and president of the Deposit Savings and Loan Bank in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina ; when
1200-504: The same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Doughton . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Doughton&oldid=1140982599 " Categories : Disambiguation pages Disambiguation pages with surname-holder lists Place name disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description
1240-451: The speedway was purchased by two new owners, Bob Bahre and Bruton Smith . Soon after their purchase, both men announced that they were closing the speedway and moving its two NASCAR race dates to their new tracks in Texas and New Hampshire. The decision met with strong criticism from race fans. From the track's closure in 1996 through 2021 numerous national and regional news media stories discussed
Doughton - Misplaced Pages Continue
1280-538: The state Prison Board (1909–11). Doughton was for 18 years (1933–1947 and 1949–1953) the Chairman of the powerful U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means , and as such he co-sponsored, held hearings on, and oversaw the passage of the Social Security Act in 1935. Doughton was also instrumental in the creation of the Blue Ridge Parkway , America's most-traveled scenic highway. The largest park and recreational area on
1320-523: The town falls just short of the typical average of the Southern Appalachian region (60.0+ inches). As winter clouds approach from the west and migrate across the Blue Ridge, an orographic effect ensues which releases an amount of snow in the Western high country, leaving little for central and eastern Wilkes County as the systems pass over. The result is more of a wintry mix of sleet and frozen rain, hence
1360-403: The town was 74.47% White , 17.90% African American , 0.36% Native American , 0.73% Asian , 0.49% Pacific Islander , 4.25% from other races , and 1.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 11.27% of the population. There were 1,639 households, out of which 45.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.1% were married couples living together, 15.1% had
1400-471: Was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.93. The average median household income for the town was $ 30,114. About 29.3% of residents were at or below the poverty line . As of the census of 2000, there were 4,116 people, 1,639 households, and 942 families residing in the town. The population density was 803.9 inhabitants per square mile (310.4/km ). There were 1,837 housing units at an average density of 358.8 per square mile (138.5/km ). The racial makeup of
1440-540: Was 4,131 at the 2020 US Census . North Wilkesboro is the birthplace and original home of Lowe's Home Improvement , which continues to have a major presence in the community. The town is also known as one of the birthplaces of the sport of stock-car racing , and the North Wilkesboro Speedway was the first NASCAR -sanctioned track. Due to the town's proximity to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and its numerous tourist venues, North Wilkesboro has been nicknamed
1480-624: Was at various times Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives and Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina . Doughton was a member and deacon of the Laurel Springs Baptist Church. After his death in 1954 at the age of 90 he was buried next to his wife Lillie in the church cemetery. In the 1990s Rufus Doughton's former home in Laurel Springs was restored, and it is now a popular bed-and-breakfast for tourists to
1520-471: Was awarded honorary bachelor's degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Catawba College during his political career. Doughton was married twice. His first wife, Boyd Greer, died in 1895 after only two years of marriage. He remarried in 1898 to Lillie Hix; they remained married until her death in 1946. He had two sons and two daughters. His elder brother was Rufus A. Doughton , who
1560-425: Was founded in 1962 in the parlor of art patron Annie Winkler's home and in 2004 moved into the renovated North Wilkesboro Post Office building located in the heart of downtown North Wilkesboro. The Gallery's 10,000-square-foot (930 m ) facility includes over 3,500 square feet (330 m ) of exhibition space, an education center with a ceramics studio, painting and drawing studios, two multi-purpose classrooms, and
1600-459: Was the largest mirror factory in the United States. Lowe's Foods , one of the Southeast's largest supermarket chains, was started in North Wilkesboro in 1954. Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse , the nation's second-largest chain of home-improvement stores, was started in North Wilkesboro in 1946. Like many small towns and cities in rural North Carolina, North Wilkesboro has suffered since 2000 from
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