The Town of Holly Springs has unveiled a new historical marker at the First Baptist Church as part of National Historic Preservation Month. This initiative is complemented by the launch of an online tour showcasing all historical markers in the community.
The First Baptist Church, established in 1865 by freedmen who acquired land for its construction, now features a historical marker. The original church was destroyed by fire, but a new structure was built in 1880 with brick facing and memorial windows added in the early 1950s.
The online tour offers insights into various historical sites, including Woodward’s Mill, Holly Springs Masonic Lodge 115, and Holly Springs Elementary School. This project was initiated by Bridget Peters, an intern with Holly Springs Development Services, alongside Town Planner Conor Ryan.
Future updates to the online map will include additional markers such as one for the Cape Fear & Northern Railroad/Durham & Southern Railroad. This railroad was constructed in the 1890s and ceased operations through Holly Springs in 1981.
Linda McKinney, Holly Springs Town Clerk and coordinator of the historical marker program, stated: “We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Historic markers not only educate us but validate the importance of those people and events that shaped our Town and made it what it is today.”
For more information about the Holly Springs Historical Marker Program or to request a marker application, interested parties are encouraged to visit their website.
