Holly SpringsAs the name suggests, the town of Holly Springs in southern Wake County originated at a place where freshwater trickles from deep aquifers and where 40-foot-tall holly trees have endured storms and droughts, wars and depressions, and times of peace and prosperity. In Colonial times, a small cluster of homes and businesses formed around the original "holly springs" in an area that once was a Tuscarora Indian hunting ground. The tiny community included a sawmill, cotton gin, and store. In later years, a few miles to the north, Archibald Leslie purchased 180 acres at the intersection of two roads near another freshwater spring. He opened a tailoring business and store, and began construction on a 38-room manor. Today all that remains of the Leslie estate is the main house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Leslie-Alford-Mims House. A short dirt trail winds through the woods to the springs. |
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Adams added Avent Ferry Road Ballentine Baptist Church Betts Billy boys Brewer building built Burt Carolyn Williams collection Center Street Collins Cora corner Cotton Courtesy courtesy of Lori daughter Doris Jones collection early Earp established farm fire floor front gathering George and Kathy George Benton Alford Gerald Hall Hancock Hare High School Holland Holleman Holly Springs Holt honor House James Jean Jimmy H John known ladies land Lassiter later left to right Leslie lives located Lori Stokes Main Street married Mary Lee Johnson Masonic Lodge Mims Nathan and Carolyn Norris North Carolina original owners parents period photograph pictured pose post office Raleigh Street residents Seagraves Seated second row served shown shows side Simpson sits Standing station Sylvian Brooks collection taken Town Historical collection Town of Holly unidentified Utley Wake County West wife Wright collection young