Historical marker J-53 stands in front of the former Stokes County Courthouse and points out a…read morenative of the area who went on into a political life. The has the same text on both sides and it marker reads, "Governor of Alabama, 1829-1831. Served in U.S. House and Senate. Official of Mississippi and Alabama Territories. Born near here, 1785." There is more information online. Moore rose from a frontier legal career in Huntsville to become one of early Alabama's most influential political figures. He served in the territorial and state legislatures, spent eight consecutive terms in the United States House, and was elected governor in 1829 before moving on to the United States Senate. A committed Jacksonian who later broke with Andrew Jackson over national politics, Moore's shifting alliances ultimately cost him support at home. After financial hardship and failed attempts to regain office, he left Alabama for Texas in 1844 and died en route, leaving a complicated legacy that included freeing several enslaved people in his will. There is street parking nearby and the ice cream/coffee shop across the street. [Review 625 of 2026 - 4713 in North Carolina - 25806 overall]

Located on a quiet road in literally "Rural Hall", this marker stands in front of a red brick…read morechurch that dates back to the Revolutionary War era. It has the same text on both sides and reads, "Lutheran. Begun about 1778 by German settlers. Formerly called "Old Dutch Meeting House." Present building, 1878." It is marker number J-51 and it was erected in 1959 by the North Carolina Archives and Highway Departments. There is more information online. Nazareth Lutheran Church grew out of one of the region's earliest Lutheran communities, shaped by a mix of itinerant clergy and Moravian influence that helped anchor worship in this part of Forsyth County. Its first long‑term pastor, Gottlieb Shober, played a major role in strengthening scattered congregations across several counties during the early nineteenth century. The present brick church, completed in 1878 after the sale of most of the original land, still stands beside a cemetery that preserves some of the area's oldest German‑inscribed gravestones. [Review 623 of 2026 - 4711 in North Carolina - 25804 overall]

Moody Tavern in Danbury is one of those places where the history is doing almost all of the…read moretalking, and that is what makes it worth the stop. The building dates back to the mid nineteenth century, constructed by Nathaniel Moody before 1860 to serve travelers visiting the local mineral springs, and it later became known as the McCandless Inn. Its biggest moment came in April 1865 when Union General George Stoneman used the upstairs rooms as his headquarters during his raid through Stokes County, taking advantage of the east and west facing windows that offered a commanding view of the area. Today, the structure is recognized as a Civil War Trails site, standing in the center of Danbury opposite the former Stokes County Courthouse. Even if you're just passing through town, it is the kind of landmark that rewards a few minutes of curiosity, especially if you enjoy places where the layers of local history are still visible in the architecture. The tavern is not an operating restaurant or bar, but as a preserved historic site it adds real character to Danbury and ties together the stories of the mineral springs area, the Moratock Iron Works and Stoneman's brief occupation of the town. [Review 646 of 2026 - 4734 in North Carolina - 25827 overall]

Let freedom ring is a wonderful And well done monument to…read morehonor our soldiers located in historic downtown Mount Airy North Carolina aka Mayberry. The sculpture features concrete background, a small water fountain and some flags. My buddy and I was exploring the historic Main Street area checking out all the Mayberry sites when we came across this piece of public art. Overall Mayberry has a surprisingly vast public art scene and it added to the fun in exploring this historic little town.

I've just spotted the Robert L. Doughton marker a few miles away in Laurel Springs and now, the…read moremarker for his brother here in downtown Sparta. Yes, brothers. Rufus was the elder and spent much of his career in North Carolina state politics. The marker is in front of the Alleghany County Courthouse and reads, "Legislator, 14 terms. Lieutenant Governor, 1893-1897. Headed Revenue & Highway Commissions. Was University of North Carolina Trustee for 56 years. Office was 30 feet west." Brothers Rufus and Robert Doughton were major political figures who shaped both state and national policy, with Rufus rising through North Carolina's legislature and Robert serving long‑term in Congress. Rufus, born in 1857 in Laurel Springs and educated locally and at the University of North Carolina, built a legal career in Sparta before winning his first legislative seat in 1887 and eventually serving as lieutenant governor. He remained a powerful advocate for western North Carolina, backing the state's landmark 1921 highway bond program and later serving as Commissioner of Revenue and chairman of the Highway Commission. Rufus retired from public life in 1933 and died in 1945, leaving a legacy closely intertwined with his brother's long federal career. [Review 883 of 2026 - 4774 in North Carolina - 26064 overall]

Mayberry Union high is not an actually high school. Yet just a fictional and building facade in…read morehistoric mount airy North Carolina that pays homage to the local high school in the famed Andy Griffith Show. This building facade and small Yellow school bus are simply photo props and sit next to all the cool Mayberry photo ops from the show. Overall pretty neat and a must visit for any fan of the show.

Mayberry Union High. My buddy and I visited Mayberry over the summer. We had a great time and it…read morewas very fun to see all the sights and scenes from the beloved TV show. This is a great addition to the tour and the town. I would recommend checking it out as it has many fun tidbits from Andy and Barney. Goober says hey! Hey to Goober.

Erected in 1976 by the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission, this marker reads…read more.. "The Blue Ridge Mission School was established by the Virginia Baptist General Convention in 1916 at a site just to the southeast. It provided general education and religious training, on both the elementary and secondary level, to day and boarding students. Its program was increasingly coordinated with, and in 1941 superseded by, that of the newly-developed public school system." Online, there is more information. The Blue Ridge Mission School was the first institution to offer a high school education north of Bull Mountain. By the beginning of the 1919-1920 school term, 103 students had enrolled. By 1921-22, the school had 152 students, the highest enrollment ever achieved at the school. Most years, enrollment numbered in the 120 to 150 student range, including both elementary and high school students. Results for the Blue Ridge Mission School were quite impressive. During its 25 years of service, this school made a tremendous impact on its students and the Buffalo Ridge Community. It provided learning and recreational activities with school programs, including drama and music, with socials every Sunday afternoon and on special occasions. The school's greatest contribution was providing education to northern Patrick County and to areas from which students came. It opened doors for enrichment and development that would not have been possible for most of its students. Over 200 students graduated from the high school and hundreds of others attended for some time. An accurate survey of vocations followed by its students is not available, but its graduates included a medical doctor, an attorney, three college professors, at least six ministers, one member of the Virginia House of Delegates, a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, 10 public school administrators, several dozen teachers and successful business men and women, in addition to a host of admirable solid citizens. [Review 13753 overall, 1074 of 2020, number 1188 in Virginia.]

Mount Airy Painted Guitar is a colorful painted guitar that is located in Mayberry aka Mount Airy,…read moreNorth Carolina (disregard that this one shows in Winston Salem on Yelp) and is part of an art series featuring other paint guitars around the historic Main Street area Most of the guitars have placards with name plates on them. However this one has been torn off. Either way it is very brightly colored and a fun piece of public art. Overall a pretty cool little art series in the fun small town of Mayberry.

There are about 6-8 of these little painted guitars all across downtown Mayberry. We looked around…read moreand found all of them and added them on here for everyone to see. It was a fun little scavenger hunt to locate them. Its a nice colorful addition to the nice little TV town of Mayberry.