Aberdeen History

Aberdeen history starts in the mid 1700’s when Scottish Highlanders settled in a community they dubbed Bethesda. They chose this area because of the availability of large tracts of land, the proximity to four-principle roads- the Pee Dee, the Morganton, the Yadkin, and the Lumberton, and the generous supplies of water in the area.

Malcolm McMillan Blue built a large farmhouse on Bethesda Road over 170 years ago (in 1825). In 1833 he married Isabella Patterson. (Her grandfather received a King’s grant for land in 1768 in what is now Aberdeen) She died less than a year after her marriage to Blue.

Later he remarried Flora Ray and together they raised seven children on their farmstead. He owned more than 8,000 acres, including the land that the current day Pinehurst Race Track stands on as well as the western boundary of Fort Bragg. The Malcolm Blue Festival held once a year is a great way to learn about Aberdeen history and the culture and beginnings of this little town.

The Scottish Presbyterian settlers who had established themselves in Bethesda renamed it Blue’s Crossing in honor of Blue. He was very active in the community throughout his life; he served as an Elder in Bethesda Church for 40 years, Clerk of Sessions for 16 years as well as donating the land where the current “old” church still stands.

With the introduction of the railroad to the area, it grew rapidly and by the 1760’s Aberdeen was a flourishing community whose economic mainstays were lumber, turpentine, industry and commerce.

Currently Aberdeen is experiencing a transformation. Aberdeen’s Historic District was created and officially dedicated on July 2, 1989. There are 88 acres housing some 100 historic buildings.

Take a drive down the tree-lined streets and witness the buildings constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the homes built earlier in the century that remain unchanged. The town’s citizens have worked hard to refurbish and preserve Aberdeen’s Historic District and Aberdeen history.

In October of 1992, Aberdeen held the First Annual International Sardine Festival. People gather together at Aberdeen Lake to sample sardines, moon pies, and RC Cola’s. A Sardine Queen is crowned and reigns throughout the year.

There are over 3500 people residing in Aberdeen . There are many different ethnicities and nationalities, including Scots, Scots-Irish, Irish, German, African-American, Latino, and Asian.

Aberdeen is located in the Sandhills of North Carolina and is bordered by 5 Points Horse Country, Pinehurst Area Golf Courses, and Southern Pines Resort Area. The community of Aberdeen is a fantastic place to live, work and play with a moderate cost of living.

Does your family have ties to Aberdeen History? Tell us about it here.

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