Southern Pines History

Southern Pines history really began when John T Patrick, North Carolina’s first Commissioner of Immigration, bought 675 acres in 1884 on Shaw’s Ridge. Appointed by governor Zebulon Vance in the 1850’s, he was assigned the task of bringing newcomers to the area. The Raleigh Augusta railroad came through Manly (a town located 1 mile north of Southern Pines) in 1876, and shortly thereafter Patrick stepped off the train and headed south.

He began visiting various towns and felt Southern Moore County had a lot of appeal due to the healthy climate and potential for development. Patrick saw the climate as the area's biggest asset. Some swore that the clean, fresh air and the smell put off by the pines had medicinal properties. Patrick came from New England and had a vision for a health resort.

Patrick ended up at Shaw’s Ridge where he purchased 675 acres from Charles C. Shaw for $1265- less than $2 an acre. Residents had little faith in Patrick and began referring to his project as “Patrick’s Folly”. Patrick initially called his town “Vineland”, but shortly thereafter changed the name to “Southern Pines”.

Patrick designed Southern Pines with the railroad running straight down the center of town, 60-foot streets, and planned alleys going down the middle of each of the four sides of the grid to meet in the center square. He named the streets after northern states as part of his marketing plan. The layout is still much the same today as it was early on in Southern Pines history. Check out the map and aerial views here. He built a hotel called The Flattop directly across from the train depot. Patrick’s plan was for visitors from the North to step off the train and be able to find lodging within a few blocks.

In order to draw people to the area, Patrick contacted newspaper editors from the North and offered them property in Southern Pines in exchange for free advertising. He selected doctors as useful references and gave them tours highlighting the advantages of Southern Pines for their patients, especially those with tuberculosis. His plan worked and started drawing doctors and visitors from the north, seeking the pines’ healing properties. John Patrick would soon find his way some 7 or 8 miles south to establish Pinebluff, after making Southern Pines history.

In 1903, James Boyd the first, a steel and railroad magnate from Pennsylvania relocated to Southern Pines. He purchased 1200 acres on which he created a marvelous estate that included stables, tennis courts, gardens, and a nine-hole golf course. He named it Weymouth because it reminded him of Weymouth in England. Weymouth today remains a crucial part of Southern Pines history and hosts several events and parties throughout the year.

James Boyd’s grandsons- James and Jackson loved Weymouth and visited often. Because of their love for fox hunting, they founded Moore County Hounds in 1914. After World War 1 they divided the original home of their grandfather. The main part was pulled by mule across Connecticut Avenue and is now known as the Campbell House, home of the Moore County Arts Council.

In 1920, the remaining portion of the original home was redesigned and enlarged by Aymar Embury II, Princeton University’s official architect. He also designed many buildings and residences in this area, including Mid Pines resort, Market Square in Pinehurst, and several buildings on NW Broad Street in Southern Pines. James and Katherine Boyd entertained in their new home extensively. Weymouth became the center of a very lively social life in the 1920’s and 1930’s. They had visiting literary friends such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Paul Green and Sherwood Anderson. The Boyd’s were very active in their community; they supported the Moore County Hospital as well as the Southern Pines Libraries.

In 1941, James Boyd purchased and edited THE PILOT, the local newspaper, until his death in 1944. His wife Katherine then managed it until it was sold to Sam Ragan (a well known NC poet and journalist) in 1969.

In 1963, Katherine Boyd gave a wooded tract of land to the state, which became Weymouth Woods Nature Preserve. Weymouth Woods, an 898 acre natural preserve, is a beautiful area to go to observe wildlife here in the Sandhills. Being a natural preserve, it is different from normal parks in that it's use is very limited to keep all wildlife intact. Weymouth Woods is a perfect opportunity to really discover the landscape and wildlife as it was here, in the beginning of Southern Pines history.

Currently Southern Pines is thriving. The population is over 11,000 people, which makes Southern Pines the biggest town in the county. It’s easy to see why so many people have chosen this small town as their home, with so much Southern Pines history and charm as the backdrop for an incredible place to live and play. With the cosmopolitan flare, shopping, restaurants, hotels, resorts, horse farms, golf courses, shopping, cultural centers, festivals, activities, and growing arts movement, Southern Pines is the perfect combination of new and old, north, south, big city and small town. With all the warmth and character of a small New England village, there's no doubt that this town has something for everyone.

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