Learn about Haywood County’s deep-rooted history during a guided historical walking tour of Canton’s Locust Field Cemetery, in one of two sessions at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23.
The cemetery sits on a hilltop over downtown Canton next to the Canton library and is one of the oldest cemeteries in Haywood County. The cemetery was established 1803 when Locust Field Baptist Church was built, making it one of the first churches established west of Asheville.
Locust Fields is also a point of interest on the North Carolina Civil War Trail. The cemetery and church served as a campground and rallying point for Confederate soldiers.
After the Confederacy lost control at the battle of Cumberland Gap in September 1863, hundreds of soldiers escaped and set up refuge at Locust Fields. During the winter of 1864–65, the cemetery became a Confederate encampment again for Col. James Robert Love II (grandson of the founder of Waynesville, Col. James Robert Love) and six companies of Thomas’s Legion. These soldiers took part in some of the last fights of the war in spring of 1865. Dozens of Confederate soldiers are buried in Locust Fields.
The history walk is free, but registration is required. To register, contact Jennifer at jennifer.stuart@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828-356-2561.
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