Tar Heel History on Foot - (Southern Gateways Guides) by Lynn Setzer (Paperback)

About the Book

Tar Heel History on Foot: Great Walks through 400 Years of North Carolina's Fascinating Past

Book Synopsis

This lively collection of 34 of the best history walks in North Carolina highlights the richness and diversity of the state's history, from the time of its first settlement to the present. Veteran guidebook author Lynn Setzer leads readers on short walks in state parks and natural areas, state historic sites, charming small towns from the mountains to the sea, and the state's largest cities. Along the way, she brings to life some of our state's most momentous events, most accomplished and notorious characters, and most famous firsts.
These walks are varied, pleasant, and accessible to almost every reader, including older day-trippers and families with young children. Some walks include add-ons, should readers wish to make a longer day of it. Organized by theme and location, the walks are accompanied by maps and photographs, as well as information on each walk's length and difficulty. A list of sources directs readers to additional information so that they can continue a deeper exploration of North Carolina history.

Review Quotes

"Although I've visited all of North Carolina's 100 counties, Lynn Setzer's treasure trove of historic discoveries managed to surprise me many times over, unearthing new stories in familiar places and leading me to sites I never knew existed. I can't wait to lace up my sneakers and hit the trails." -- Diane Daniel, travel writer and author of Farm Fresh North Carolina

"An invaluable resource for those who enjoy sightseeing at a walker's pace and who want to know the stories behind the signs and markers they encounter. Setzer's stories about North Carolina history are engaging and fascinating for their connections to the contemporary places readers will visit. The step-by-step information, along with practical details about the walks, make this book particularly useful to travelers of all ages." -- Vicky Jarrett, former editor-in-chief, Our State

"Comprehensiveness, historical summaries and the walking theme make it a useful volume." -- Asheville Citizen-Times

"Setzer has provided a great resource for walkers and history buffs alike." -- ###North Carolina Historical Review

About the Author

A native North Carolinian, Lynn Setzer started reading historical markers before she was six years old. On trips across the country, her family would stop at notable places - the OK Corral, Fort Phantom Hill, Big Rock Candy Mountain, Little Big Horn just to name a very few - to soak in the local stories, songs, and tall tales. Later, when walking and hiking became her exercise of choice, it seemed natural to blend the enjoyment of physical exertion with excitement of learning something new. Whether she's walking on a trail used by the French Voyageurs or looking for Horace Kephart's favorite campsite in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lynn believes that there's nothing quite like experiencing life and history at walking speed. To date, Lynn has logged literally thousands of miles in North Carolina and across the country, still visiting the reminders of lives lived long ago, writing stories and snapping pictures. Today she lives in Winston-Salem and is happily wearing out yet another pair of walking shoes and looking forward to all of the walks that still await her.