110-537: North Wilkesboro is a town in Wilkes County , North Carolina , United States. The population was 4,131 at the 2020 US Census . North Wilkesboro is the birthplace and original home of Lowe's Home Improvement , which continues to have a major presence in the community. The town is also known as one of the birthplaces of the sport of stock-car racing , and the North Wilkesboro Speedway was
220-577: A batch distillation basis (as opposed to a Coffey or column stills, which operate on a continuous basis). Traditionally constructed from copper , pot stills are made in a range of shapes and sizes depending on quantity and style of spirit. Geographic variations in still design exist, with certain kinds popular in parts of Appalachia , a region known for moonshine distilling. Spirits distilled in pots commonly have 40% ABV, and top out between 60 and 80% after multiple distillations. Poorly produced moonshine can be contaminated, mainly from materials used in
330-524: A council–manager government format with a five-member board of commissioners and county manager . The current county manager is John Yates. As of 2024, the current commissioners are: Casey Joe Johnson (chairman), Bill Sexton (vice chairman), Giddeon Keith Elmore, Stoney Greene, and Greg Minton. Wilkes County is a member of the regional High Country Council of Governments . In the North Carolina General Assembly , Wilkes
440-632: A fault runs through the Brushy Mountains , and mild earth tremors are not uncommon. On August 31, 1861, an earthquake estimated at 5.0 on the Richter magnitude scale hit the southern part of the county and caused minor damage. Wilkes County is home to several NC and US highways, as well as an airport and public transportation. Wilkes is also one of 27 North Carolina counties in which the Blue Ridge Parkway runs through. As of
550-490: A thermal immersion circulator , like a sous vide stick is ideal because it comes with a temperature controller. The liquid is kept heated at about 50 °C (122 °F) which slowly evaporates the ethanol to 40% ABV that condense on the inner walls of the outer vessel. The condensation that accumulates in the bottom of the vessel can then be diverted directly down through a filter containing activated carbon . The final product has approximately twice as much alcohol content as
660-427: A 5-foot-long (1.5 m) copper tube wound in spiral form. The tube first goes up to act as a simple column, and then down to cool the product. Cookware usually consists of a 30-litre (6.6 imp gal; 7.9 US gal) plastic wine bucket. The heat source is typically a thermal immersion circulator (commonly runs at 1200 W), like a sous vide stick because it is hard to find 300 W immersion heaters , and it
770-481: A female householder with no husband present, and 30.60% were non-families. Of all households, 26.69% were made up of individuals, and 11.59% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.89. In the county, the population breakdown by age is: 22.41% under the age of 18, 7.16% from 18 to 24, 23.96% from 25 to 44, 29.49% from 45 to 64, and 16.99% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
880-471: A female householder with no husband present, and 42.5% were non-families. 39.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 3.01. In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
990-675: A gift shop. North Wilkesboro recently welcomed the Yadkin River Greenway which was created through the cooperative efforts of citizen volunteers, landowners, and the governments of Wilkes County, North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro, and the State of North Carolina. The effort began in 1994, and the first phase of the greenway was opened on May 18, 2002. The Yadkin River Greenway Council, a non-profit community organization, provided coordination and leadership. The Greenway
1100-403: A large shopping center built in the 1970s, was, starting in 2000, transformed into a large medical park with numerous offices for physicians, medical specialists, pharmacies, physical therapists, and other medical and health-related fields. Wilkes County has strong musical roots, and those roots are displayed at: It hosts the annual Shine to Wine Festival , in downtown North Wilkesboro. Held on
1210-712: A reduction of over 53%. From 2000 to 2014, the median household income in Wilkes declined by over 30%. However, from 2014 to 2017 the median household income increased by nearly 22%, and in 2017 Wilkes was ranked 47th out of 100 counties for "economic distress" by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Wilkes County is part of the Yadkin Valley AVA , an American Viticultural Area . Wines made from grapes grown in Wilkes County may use
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#17327869568481320-484: A registered distillery is illegal in many countries. Currently in the United States, there are four states that allow the production of moonshine for personal consumption ( Alaska , Arizona , Massachusetts , and Missouri ). Additionally, North Dakota law permits the production of moonshine for personal consumption up to the federally legal amount—which is zero gallons; entailing that production of any amount
1430-740: A result of excise laws and became meaningful in the United States only after a tax passed after the Revolutionary War outlawing non-registered stills with the Tariff of 1791 , or the Excise Whiskey Tax of 1791. This tax led to the Whiskey Rebellion lasting between 1791 and 1794, where the tax went unpaid by the rebels and was met with violent protest. This tax lasted until 1802, when it was repealed. Another tax
1540-661: A sellout crowd at the Speedway, Kyle Larson won the race. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series also held a race at the Speedway on May 20, 2023; it was also won by Kyle Larson . In November 2023 NASCAR announced that the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race would also be held at the North Wilkesboro Speedway in May 2024. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 756.33 square miles (1,958.9 km ), of which 753.68 square miles (1,952.0 km )
1650-498: A significant number of Methodist , Presbyterian, Episcopalian, and non-denominational Evangelical Protestant congregations. Historically, few Roman Catholics lived in Wilkes, but recent immigration from other U.S. States and especially by people of Hispanic descent has increased their numbers. Wilkes County has a single Catholic parish, Saint John Baptist de LaSalle Catholic Church in North Wilkesboro, which serves all
1760-466: A significant source in some areas. Radiators used as condensers may contain lead at the plumbing joints, and their use has resulted in blindness or lead poisoning from tainted liquor. This was a deadly hazard during the Prohibition -era United States. Consumption of lead-tainted moonshine is a serious risk factor for saturnine gout , a very painful but treatable medical condition that damages
1870-400: A still. To cut costs, stainless steel vessels are often replaced with plastic stills , vessels made from polypropylene that can withstand relatively high heat. The preferred heat source for plastic stills or spiral stills is sous vide sticks; these control temperature, time, and circulation, and are therefore preferred over immersion heaters . Multiple units can be used to increase
1980-492: A study of farmers in Cocke County, Tennessee , observes: "One could transport much more value in corn if it was first converted to whiskey. One horse could haul ten times more value on its back in whiskey than in corn." Moonshiners such as Maggie Bailey of Harlan County, Kentucky , Amos Owens of Rutherford County, North Carolina , and Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton of Maggie Valley, North Carolina , became legendary. Once
2090-411: A tainted distillate burns with a yellow flame. Practitioners of this simple test also held that if a radiator coil had been used as a condenser, then there would be lead in the distillate, which would give a reddish flame. This led to the mnemonic , "Lead burns red and makes you dead," or simply, "Red means dead." Manufacturing of spirits through distilling, fractional crystallization , etc. outside
2200-773: Is Wilkes Community College (WCC), a public two-year college within the North Carolina Community College System . Wilkes County is served by the Appalachian Regional Library. Wilkes County has two local newspapers: The county has three radio stations: Most of the county can pick up the Television Stations broadcasting from Winston-Salem Wilkes County is also home to GoWilkes.com , an internet media source that allows residents to discuss current events and local happenings in real time. GoWilkes.com
2310-582: Is a natural area between urban communities where wildlife, vegetation, and streams are preserved and enjoyed. The Greenway contains biking, jogging, and walking trails which follow the Yadkin River and Reddies River for several miles between the towns of North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro . The Yadkin River Greenway offers over 1.7 miles (2.7 km) of paved trails to form over 5.1 miles (8.2 km) of current trails with more extensions to come in
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#17327869568482420-578: Is bordered to the south by the Yadkin River and the Town of Wilkesboro. Running through the eastern portion of the town is the Reddies River which flows from North to South and unites with the Yadkin. Hoopers Branch , a tributary to the Reddies River, rises on the north side of North Wilkesboro. The town serves as the junction point for NC State Highways 18 and 268 and is within one mile (1.6 km) to
2530-420: Is disassembled from an electric water boiler . A plastic still is a device for distillation specially adapted for separating ethanol and water . Plastic stills are common because they are cheap and easy to manufacture. The principle is that a smaller amount of liquid is placed in an open smaller vessel inside a larger one that is closed. A cheap 100 W immersion heater is typically used as heat source, but
2640-415: Is especially prone to devastating flash floods . The two most memorable floods occurred in 1916 and 1940, killing a number of residents and causing millions of dollars in damages. After the opening of the W. Kerr Scott Dam in 1962, the Yadkin River did not flood again in Wilkes County until heavy rainfalls from Hurricane Helene led to flooding in 2024. Although Wilkes County has never had a severe earthquake,
2750-577: Is illegal. Popular offerings for the Maya deity and folk saint Maximón include money, tobacco, and moonshine. Moonshine is by tradition usually a clear, unaged whiskey, once made with barley mash in Scotland and Ireland or maize corn mash in the United States, though plain sugar became just as common in illicit liquor during the last century. The word originated in the British Isles as
2860-585: Is land and 2.65 square miles (6.9 km ) (0.35%) is water. Wilkes County is located on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains , a part of the Appalachian Mountains chain. The county's elevation ranges from 900 feet (270 meters) in the east to over 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) in the west. The Blue Ridge Mountains run from the southwest to the northeast, and dominate the county's western and northern horizons. Tomkins Knob ,
2970-875: Is one of the largest single-day arts and crafts fairs in the Southern United States. Carolina in the Fall is another music festival each September in the Historic Downtown Wilkesboro and is hosted by the Heart of Folk and the Kruger Brothers. The festival and venue won an award at the IBMA and features music, wine and beer garden and food truck competition. It continues to grow in popularity. The Carolina West Wireless Community Commons and Wilkes Communications Pavilion has "Concerts on
3080-611: Is one of the most popular state parks in North Carolina, and is noted for its excellent rock climbing and trout fishing. The Brushy Mountains , an isolated spur of the Blue Ridge, form the county's southern border. Wilkes County's terrain gradually becomes more level and less hilly as one moves to the east; the far eastern section of the county lies within the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The largest river in Wilkes
3190-760: Is only one charter school in Wilkes County: Bridges Charter School in State Road, North Carolina . The Elkin City Schools district also covers parts of Wilkes. Wilkes County has three private schools, all three are associated with one of the larger Protestant Christian churches in the county. The largest private school in Wilkes is Millers Creek Christian School . In recent years, the number of students being home schooled in Wilkes has steadily increased, while public school enrollment has decreased. The only college in Wilkes
3300-837: Is represented by Eddie Settle in North Carolina Senate 's 36th district , and by Sarah Stevens in the 90th district and Jeffery Elmore in the 94th district of the North Carolina House of Representatives . In the US Senate , the county is represented by Ted Budd and Thom Tillis . Wilkes is entirely in North Carolina's 5th congressional district of the United States House of Representatives , represented by Virginia Foxx . Wilkes County's economic struggles since 2000, and
3410-468: Is risky to disassemble the immersion heater from an electric water boiler because it may cause electrical injury . The spiral burner is popular because, despite its simple construction and low manufacturing cost, it can provide 95% ABV . A pot still is a type of distillation apparatus or still used to distill flavored liquors such as whisky or cognac , but not rectified spirit because they are poor at separating congeners . Pot stills operate on
North Wilkesboro, North Carolina - Misplaced Pages Continue
3520-589: Is the Yadkin River , which flows through the central part of the county. The county's three other major streams, all of which flow into the Yadkin, are the Reddies River , Roaring River , and Mulberry Creek. Following the devastating floods of 1916 and 1940, the US Army's Corps of Engineers constructed the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir on the Yadkin River four miles west of Wilkesboro. Opened in 1962,
3630-565: Is the largest employer in Wilkes. Like many rural areas in North Carolina, Wilkes County has suffered since 2000 from the closing of nearly all of its textile and furniture factories, which formed a major part of its economic base. Most of these factories have moved to low-wage locations in Latin America and Asia, especially China and Vietnam. According to Stateline , the number of Wilkes County residents employed in manufacturing dropped from 8,548 in 2000 to approximately 4,000 as of 2015,
3740-410: Is used during and after the fermentation process to determine the potential alcohol percentage of the moonshine, whereas an alcoholmeter is used after the product has been distilled to determine the volume percent or proof. A common folk test for the quality of moonshine was to pour a small quantity of it into a spoon and set it on fire. The theory was that a safe distillate burns with a blue flame, but
3850-432: The 2020 census , there were 65,969 people, 28,376 households, and 17,409 families residing in the county. At the 2010 census , there were 69,340 people, 28,360 households, and 19,683 families residing in the county. The population density was 91.91 people per square mile (35.49 people/km ). There were 33,065 housing units at an average density of 43.84 units per square mile (16.93 units/km ). The racial makeup of
3960-583: The National Register of Historic Places . Wilkes Medical Center, founded in 1951 as Wilkes General Hospital, is located in North Wilkesboro. It is the largest hospital in northwestern North Carolina and is currently the town's largest employer. West Park, formerly a large shopping center built in the 1970s, has recently been transformed into a large medical park with numerous offices for physicians, medical specialists, pharmacies, physical therapists, and other medical and health-related fields. In 2017,
4070-575: The North Carolina General Assembly of 1778 . The first session of the county court was held in John Brown's house near what is today Brown's Ford. The act creating the county became effective on February 15, 1778, and the county celebrates its anniversary on February 15. Wilkes County was named for the English political radical John Wilkes , who was Lord Mayor of the City of London and gave support for
4180-458: The U.S. state of North Carolina . It is a part of the state's western mountain region . As of the 2020 census the population was 65,969. Its county seat is Wilkesboro , and its largest community is North Wilkesboro . Wilkes County comprises the North Wilkesboro, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area . The county was formed from parts of Surry County and Washington District (now Washington County, Tennessee ) on April 20, 1778, by an act of
4290-798: The appellation Yadkin Valley on their labels. With the decline of tobacco farming, some Wilkes County farmers have switched to wine-making, and have hired experts from Europe and California for assistance. As a result, wine-making is growing in popularity in both Wilkes and surrounding counties. In May of each year, Wilkes county celebrates the new wine industry with the Shine to Wine Festival , held in downtown North Wilkesboro. The Wilkes County Schools system has 22 schools ranging from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade , including an early college high school . Those 22 schools are separated into 5 high schools , 4 middle schools and 13 elementary schools . There
4400-462: The "Key to the Blue Ridge" and is adjacent to the Brushy Mountains , Stone Mountain State Park , and the Blue Ridge Parkway . Located a few miles away, the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir offers its visitors a pristine wilderness to go mountain biking, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, hunting, and fishing around its 55-mile (89 km) shoreline. The Town of North Wilkesboro is located in
4510-860: The "aftershot," and are also typically discarded. Alcohol concentrations at higher strengths (the GHS identifies concentrations above 24% ABV as dangerous ) are flammable and therefore dangerous to handle. This is especially true during the distilling process, when vaporized alcohol may accumulate in the air to dangerous concentrations if adequate ventilation is not provided. Contaminated moonshine can occur if proper materials and techniques are not used. The prolonged consumption of impure moonshine may cause renal disease , primarily from increased lead content. Analysis of Georgia moonshine samples revealed potentially toxic levels of copper, zinc, lead, and arsenic. A review of twelve arsenic poisoning cases found contaminated moonshine responsible for about half, suggesting it may be
North Wilkesboro, North Carolina - Misplaced Pages Continue
4620-456: The "foreshot" – the first 50–150 millilitres (1.8–5.3 imp fl oz; 1.7–5.1 US fl oz) of alcohol that drip from the condenser. Because methanol vaporizes at a lower temperature than ethanol, it is commonly believed that the foreshot contains most of the methanol, if any, from the mash. However, research shows that methanol is present until the very end of the distillation run. Despite this, distillers will usually collect
4730-722: The 1930s, was for many years the largest mirror factory in America. Today Gardner Glass Products Inc. still produces mirrors in North Wilkesboro. Holly Farms, in Wilkesboro, was the largest poultry producer in the Southeastern United States until it was bought by Tyson Foods in 1989. Wilkes County remains one of the largest producers of poultry in the Eastern United States, and many of the county's farmers are poultry farmers for Tyson Foods. Tyson
4840-411: The 5.9 inches of average total snowfall, but the lack of any snow depth. North Wilkesboro has a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ) and the hardiness zone is 7B. - As of the 2020 United States census , there were 4,131 people, 1,862 households, and 962 families residing in the town. The population density was 622.08 inhabitants per square mile (240.19/km). The average household size was 2.05 and
4950-552: The Catholics of Wilkes County. In contrast, relatively few Jews or members of other non-Christian faiths have settled in the county. Since the American Civil War , Wilkes County has been heavily Republican, owing to its strong Unionist sentiment during the war, which partly stemmed from its rocky and infertile soil unsuited for plantation farming. The last Democratic presidential candidate to carry Wilkes County
5060-628: The Commons," a live music concert series held from May through October annually. In 1988 legendary, Grammy -winning folk music guitarist Doc Watson and Bill Young started the Doc Watson Festival (later renamed the MerleFest music festival) in Wilkesboro. Held on the campus of Wilkes Community College, and named in honor of Doc's late son Merle Watson, MerleFest has grown into one of the largest folk and bluegrass music festivals in
5170-470: The United States, drawing an average of over 75,000 music fans each year. The festival has become the main fundraiser for the college, and brings over $ 10 million in estimated business and tourist revenues to Wilkes County and surrounding areas each year. Wilkes County native Tom Dula (Dooley), a Confederate veteran of the American Civil War who was tried and hanged shortly after the war for
5280-429: The altitude. Wilkesboro, the county seat , receives an average of 50 inches of rain per year and an average of 10 inches of snow. Severe weather is not common in Wilkes but does occur. Tornadoes are rare, but severe thunderstorms can bring strong winds which can down trees and power lines, as well as cause hail . On October 23, 2017, a rare EF 1 tornado touched down in the community of Moravian Falls, before moving into
5390-514: The amendment was repealed in 1933, laws focus on evasion of taxation on any type of spirits or intoxicating liquors. Applicable laws were historically enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of the US Department of Justice , but are now usually handled by state agencies. Enforcement agents were once known colloquially as "revenuers". The earliest known instance of
5500-455: The average family size was 2.93. The average median household income for the town was $ 30,114. About 29.3% of residents were at or below the poverty line . As of the census of 2000, there were 4,116 people, 1,639 households, and 942 families residing in the town. The population density was 803.9 inhabitants per square mile (310.4/km). There were 1,837 housing units at an average density of 358.8 per square mile (138.5/km). The racial makeup of
5610-495: The birthplace of numerous large industries. Lowe's , the second-largest chain of home-improvement stores in the nation (after The Home Depot ) was started in Wilkes County in 1946. Until 2003, Lowe's had its corporate headquarters in Wilkes County, but the company has since relocated most of its corporate functions to Mooresville, North Carolina , a fast-growing suburb of Charlotte . However, Lowe's large office in Wilkesboro still houses many corporate departments, and Lowe's remains
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#17327869568485720-414: The campus of Wilkes Community College. Several private schools also serve the town, most are associated with the larger Protestant churches in the area. Wilkes Community College , located in the neighboring town of Wilkesboro , offers college classes to North Wilkesboro's residents. North Wilkesboro is located along the Yadkin River at the mouth of the Reddies River. North Wilkesboro has long been known as
5830-675: The colonists during the American Revolution. In 1799, the northern and western parts of Wilkes County became Ashe County . In 1841, parts of Wilkes County and Burke County were combined to form Caldwell County . In 1847, another part of Wilkes County was combined with parts of Caldwell County and Iredell County to become Alexander County . In 1849, additional parts of Wilkes County and Caldwell County were combined with parts of Ashe County and Yancey County to form Watauga County . Numerous boundary adjustments were made thereafter, but none resulted in new counties. Wilkes County
5940-498: The component parts have boiling points that differ by less than 25 °C (45 °F) from each other under a pressure of one atmosphere . A column still, also called a continuous still, patent still or Coffey still, is a variety of still consisting of two columns. A column still can achieve a vapor alcohol content of 95% ABV . A spiral still is a type of column still with a simple slow air-cooled distillation apparatus, commonly used for bootlegging. Column and cooler consist of
6050-468: The construction of the still . Stills employing automotive radiators as condensers are particularly dangerous; in some cases, glycol produced from antifreeze can be a problem. The head that comes immediately after the foreshot (the initial product of the still) typically contains small amounts of other undesirable compounds, such as acetone and various aldehydes . Fusel alcohols are other undesirable byproducts of fermentation that are contained in
6160-425: The county became one of the birthplaces of the sport of stock-car racing . The North Wilkesboro Speedway was the first NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) track; it held its first race on May 18, 1947, and the first NASCAR-sanctioned race on October 16, 1949. Wilkes County native and resident Junior Johnson was one of the early superstars of NASCAR, as well as a legendary moonshiner. Johnson
6270-563: The county seat. The town of North Wilkesboro quickly developed around the railroad tracks. North Wilkesboro was home of the Carolina Mirror Company, which for many years was the largest mirror factory in the United States. Lowe's Foods , one of the Southeast's largest supermarket chains, was started in North Wilkesboro in 1954. Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse , the nation's second-largest chain of home-improvement stores,
6380-413: The county was 90.60% White or European American, 4.08% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.33% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Of all races, 5.44% of the population were Hispanic or Latino. There were 28,360 households, out of which 26.76% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.03% were married couples living together, 10.50% had
6490-487: The county with transportation by booking in advance. North Wilkesboro rests in the foothills to the east of the Blue Ridge escarpment; which encompasses the western edge of Wilkes County. The town's position in relation to the abutting mountain system accounts for the mild, yet wet winters and summers. The average annual maximum temperature is 68.7 degrees Fahrenheit with a corresponding minimum annual temperature average of 45.7 degrees. Average annual rainfall (49.6 inches) for
6600-415: The county's eastern section, while at the same time it is snowing or sleeting with the temperature below freezing in the county's mountainous north, west, and south. Generally speaking, Wilkes receives ample amounts of precipitation, with frequent thunderstorms in the spring and summer months; and rain, snow, sleet , and freezing rain all occur at times during the winter, with the frequency increasing with
6710-534: The county's second-largest employer. A telecommunications firm, Carolina West Wireless, was started in Wilkesboro in 1991 and is also headquartered in the county. Other industries which started in Wilkes County are Lowes Foods (now headquartered in Winston-Salem ) and The Northwestern Bank, which was once North Carolina's fourth-largest banking chain until it was merged with First Union Bank in 1986. The Carolina Mirror Company in North Wilkesboro, founded in
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#17327869568486820-404: The county's strong support for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election and after, has led to Wilkes being prominently featured in numerous stories and articles by national news media outlets such as The New York Times , NBC News , PBS NewsHour , U.S. News & World Report , and MSNBC . Despite its rural character and relatively small population, Wilkes County has been
6930-411: The dam created a lake with a shoreline of 56 miles. The lake is used for boating, swimming, fishing, and waterskiing ; it is especially noted for its excellent bass fishing . The W. Kerr Scott lake is the largest body of water in Wilkes. Due to its wide range of elevation, Wilkes County's climate varies considerably. In winter, it is not unusual for it to be sunny with the temperature in the forties in
7040-572: The downtown and enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations. In addition, many food, craft, and merchandise vendors are lined down Main Street. Downtown Retailers are always open late to kick off the Christmas shopping. The Wilkes Playmakers, an active local theater group, are based in North Wilkesboro; Each year they do 4-5 shows, most shows attracting people from county wide to come see their plays. They also do events year wide. The Wilkes Art Gallery
7150-570: The east coast. I-77 serves as the nearest major interstate to the county in addition to the town itself. North Wilkesboro is also in close proximity to NC Highway 16 which runs through Wilkesboro. North Wilkesboro and Wilkes County are served by the Wilkes Transportation Authority , known commonly as the WTA. The WTA provides Wilkes with its only scheduled public transportation service as well providing rural communities within
7260-517: The effort to have the town recognized as a Main Street Town; the group also sponsors other events to attract people to the downtown area. The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership is also the founder of the annual 'Shine to Wine Festival. Over the past 20 years, numerous local farmers have moved into the winemaking industry and the wine festival gives local wineries and vineyards a chance to display and publicize their wines. The festival also traces
7370-422: The festival selling their apples, apple cider, and dried apples. Light Up Downtown is an annual downtown event focused on the beginning of the Christmas season and the inaugural first day of decorative lights in downtown North Wilkesboro. Santa always makes an appearance to listen to all the children's Christmas wishes. Free pictures are always available to take with Santa. Hayrides are also available to ride around
7480-799: The festival, and it is one of the largest single-day arts and crafts fairs in the Southern United States. The festival features music, dancing, artwork, crafts, and food traditional to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The streets of downtown North Wilkesboro, NC are filled with over 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions, and 4 different music stages consisting of Blue Grass, Country, Folk, Gospel, and Appalachian Heritage. Cloggers, folk dancers, rope skippers, and square dancers provide additional entertainment venues for festival goers. Appalachian Heritage crafts such as woodcarving, chair making, soap making, pottery throwing, and quilting are highlighted. Local apple growers set up throughout
7590-481: The final race to be held at the speedway. In 1995, following the death of the long-time owner and track founder Enoch Staley, the speedway was purchased by two new owners, Bob Bahre and Bruton Smith . Soon after their purchase, both men announced that they were closing the speedway and moving its two NASCAR race dates to their new tracks in Texas and New Hampshire. The decision met with strong criticism from race fans. From
7700-455: The first NASCAR -sanctioned track. Due to the town's proximity to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and its numerous tourist venues, North Wilkesboro has been nicknamed the "Key to the Blue Ridge". North Wilkesboro was founded in 1891 when the Norfolk and Southern Railroad built a railroad line into Wilkes County. The line ended on the northern bank of the Yadkin River opposite Wilkesboro ,
7810-706: The first Saturday of May, the Shine to Wine festival pays tribute to the county's heritage of growing from the Moonshine Capital of the World to what is now recognized as a strong viticultural industry. Wilkes County is also home to the annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival , which is held in downtown North Wilkesboro the first weekend in October. The festival, which attracts over 160,000 visitors each year,
7920-490: The foreshots until the temperature of the still reaches 80 °C (176 °F). Outbreaks of methanol poisoning have occurred from methanol accidentally produced in moonshine production or deliberately used to strengthen it. In modern times, reducing methanol with the absorption of a molecular sieve is a practical method for production. The Lucas test in alcohols is a test to differentiate between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols . It can be used to detect
8030-498: The formation of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing ( NASCAR ). Several former "runners," such as Junior Johnson , became noted drivers in the sport. Some varieties of maize corn grown in the United States were once prized for their use in moonshine production. One such variety used in moonshine, Jimmy Red corn, a "blood-red, flint-hard 'dent' corn with a rich and oily germ," almost became extinct when
8140-417: The founding of NASCAR ; the speedway held its first race on May 18, 1947 and from there it grew in popularity. On October 16, 1949, the Speedway held the 8th and final race of the 1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock Division; when the race was over Robert "Red" Byron had become the first NASCAR-sanctioned champion. The North Wilkesboro Speedway held NASCAR races for 50 years; on September 29, 1996 Jeff Gordon would win
8250-635: The heart of Wilkes County, North Carolina in the northwestern corner of the state. Wilkes County is bordered by eight (8) counties. These include the counties of Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Caldwell, Iredell, Surry, Watauga, and Yadkin; thus making the town conveniently juxtaposed to eight county seats and economic hubs; all within a 45-minute drive from town. The town corporate limits cover approximately 7.5 square miles (~ 4,800 acres) of contiguous property with approximately 300 acres in satellite territories. The Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) encompasses roughly 16 square miles (41 km) or 10,240 acres. The town
8360-399: The highest point in the county, rises to 4,079 feet (1,243 meters). The Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge on the county's northern and western borders. The foothills and valleys of the Blue Ridge form most of the county's midsection, with some elevations exceeding 2,000 feet (610 meters). Stone Mountain State Park , located in the foothills of northern Wilkes County,
8470-524: The historical development of Wilkes County liquor from moonshine to wine. The 'Shine to Wine festival is held on the first Saturday in May. Other downtown North Wilkesboro festivals include the Downtown Concert Series and Light Up Downtown. North Wilkesboro is the home of the annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival , which is held to celebrate the apple harvest from the nearby Brushy Mountains . Crowds of over 160,000 people usually attend
8580-586: The hospital joined the Wake Forest Baptist Health system. In 2020, Wake Forest Baptist Health was acquired by the Charlotte-based Atrium Health network to form Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. The downtown business district of North Wilkesboro became a recognized Main Street Town in 2000. The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership, a non-profit group that has worked to revitalize the downtown business district, led
8690-428: The kidneys and joints. The incidence of impure moonshine has been documented to significantly increase the risk of renal disease among those who regularly consume it, primarily from increased lead content. Contamination is still possible by unscrupulous distillers using cheap methanol to increase the apparent strength of the product. Moonshine can be made both more palatable and perhaps less dangerous by discarding
8800-520: The label. In Prohibition-era United States, moonshine distillation was done at night to deter discovery. While moonshiners were present in urban and rural areas around the United States after the Civil War , moonshine production concentrated in Appalachia because the limited road network made it easy to evade revenue officers and because it was difficult and expensive to transport corn crops. As
8910-406: The last grower died in 2000. Two ears of Jimmy Red were passed on to "seed saver" Ted Chewning, who saved the variety from extinction and began to produce it on a wider scale. There have been modern-day attempts on the state level to legalize home distillation of alcohol, similar to how some states have been treating cannabis , despite there being federal laws prohibiting the practice. For example,
9020-437: The levels of fusel alcohols . A quick estimate of the alcoholic strength, or proof, of the distillate (the ratio of alcohol to water) is often achieved by shaking a clear container of the distillate. Large bubbles with a short duration indicate a higher alcohol content, while smaller bubbles that disappear more slowly indicate lower alcohol content. A more reliable method is to use an alcoholmeter or hydrometer . A hydrometer
9130-463: The liquor was distilled, drivers called "runners" or "bootleggers" smuggled moonshine liquor across the region in cars specially modified for speed and load-carrying capacity. The cars were ordinary on the outside but modified with souped-up engines, extra interior room, and heavy-duty shock absorbers to support the weight of the illicit alcohol. After Prohibition ended, the out-of-work drivers kept their skills sharp through organized races, which led to
9240-479: The murder of his fiancée, Laura Foster. To this day many people believe that one of Dula's jealous ex-girlfriends murdered Laura Foster, that Dula was innocent of the crime, and that he accepted blame only to protect his former lover. The case was given nationwide publicity by newspapers such as The New York Times and the New York Herald , and thus became a folk legend in the rural South. Dula's legend
9350-542: The name applejack derives from the traditional method of producing the drink, jacking , the process of freezing fermented cider and then removing the ice, increasing the alcohol content. Starting with the fermented juice, with an alcohol content of less than ten percent, the concentrated result can contain 25–40% alcohol by volume (ABV). In some countries, moonshine stills are illegal to sell, import, and own without permission. However, enthusiasts explain on internet forums how to obtain equipment and assemble it into
9460-745: The near future. North Wilkesboro is served by the Wilkes County Schools system. The elementary schools which serve the town are Mulberry Elementary, North Wilkesboro Elementary, and CC Wright Elementary. Middle school students in North Wilkesboro attend Central Wilkes Middle School in the community of Moravian Falls , located south of the town. The town's high school students attend Wilkes Central High School , based in Moravian Falls, West Wilkes High School , based in Millers Creek , or Wilkes Early College High School, located on
9570-454: The north of US Highway 421. US 421 Business , however, passes through the town and allows transportation to the nearby cities of Winston-Salem and Boone , home of Appalachian State University . The town also serves as the northern end of NC Highway 115, which runs south to Charlotte. North Wilkesboro is approximately 20 minutes west of Interstate 77. Interstate 77 runs North to South, allowing shipping and transportation to travel up and down
9680-611: The poverty line, including 32.60% of those under age 18 and 13.40% of those age 65 or over. Since colonial times Wilkes County has been overwhelmingly Protestant Christian. The two earliest churches to be established in Wilkes were the Episcopalian and Presbyterian . However, by the 1850s the Southern Baptists had eclipsed them, and the Baptists have remained the dominant church in Wilkes. The county also contains
9790-444: The starting liquid and can be distilled several times if stronger distillate is desired. The method is slow, and is not suitable for large-scale production. Fractional distillation is the separation of a mixture into its component parts, or fractions . Chemical compounds are separated by heating them to a temperature at which one or more fractions of the mixture will vaporize . It uses distillation to fractionate . Generally
9900-595: The term "moonshine" being used to refer to illicit alcohol dates to the 1785 edition of Grose's Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue , which was published in England. Prior to that, "moonshine" referred to anything "illusory" or to literally the light of the moon. The U.S. Government considers the word a "fanciful term" and does not regulate its use on the labels of commercial products, as such, legal moonshines may be any type of spirit, which must be indicated elsewhere on
10010-537: The town falls just short of the typical average of the Southern Appalachian region (60.0+ inches). As winter clouds approach from the west and migrate across the Blue Ridge, an orographic effect ensues which releases an amount of snow in the Western high country, leaving little for central and eastern Wilkes County as the systems pass over. The result is more of a wintry mix of sleet and frozen rain, hence
10120-403: The town was 74.47% White , 17.90% African American , 0.36% Native American , 0.73% Asian , 0.49% Pacific Islander , 4.25% from other races , and 1.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 11.27% of the population. There were 1,639 households, out of which 45.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.1% were married couples living together, 15.1% had
10230-489: The towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro, and then through the Mulberry, Fairplains, and Hays communities, causing significant damage. Wilkes County is far enough inland that hurricanes rarely cause problems, but a strong hurricane which moves inland quickly enough may cause damage, as with Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Helene in 2024. Due to the numerous creeks and streams which run through its valleys, Wilkes
10340-724: The track for racing. Following the renovations, in August 2022 the speedway held its first races in a decade, drawing a sellout crowd to the CARS Tours Window's World 125. In September 2022 it was announced that the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race would be held in May 2023 at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, marking the first NASCAR race to be held at the track since its closure in 1996. The Downtown Main Street Historic District , Thomas B. Finley House , Southern Railway Depot , and Wilkes Hosiery Mills are listed on
10450-412: The track's closure in 1996 through 2021 numerous national and regional news media stories discussed the physical decay of the track and grandstands, the rich history of the track, and efforts to renovate and reopen the speedway. In November 2021, the North Carolina state legislature and NC Governor Roy Cooper gave $ 18 million to the speedway for extensive repairs and renovations in a major effort to reopen
10560-455: The track's closure in 1996, numerous news media stories and articles were written about the rich history of the speedway, the physical decay of the track and grandstands, and efforts to renovate and save the speedway. In November 2021, the North Carolina state legislature and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper approved giving $ 18 million to the North Wilkesboro Speedway for extensive renovations and repairs in an effort to return auto racing to
10670-469: The track. Following the renovation, the Speedway held its first races in a decade in August 2022, drawing a sellout crowd to the CARS Tour's Window World 125. In September 2022 it was announced that the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race would be held at the North Wilkesboro Speedway in May 2023, marking the first NASCAR race to be held at the track since 1996. The All-Star race was held on May 21, 2023, before
10780-481: The wattage. Also, sous vide sticks, commonly sold in 1200 W and generally temperature regulated up to 90 °C (194 °F) (ethanol boils at 78 °C (172 °F)), will evaporate the ethanol faster than an immersion heater , commonly sold in 300 W. Electrical injury may occur if immersion heaters are modified, as if a 35 °C (95 °F) thermostat is removed from an aquarium heater (because doing so may break its waterproofing ), or if an immersion heater
10890-529: Was Andrew Jackson in 1832. The Whig Party dominated politics in the county from 1836 until its dissolution in the middle 1850s. Since the formation of the Republican Party in 1854, Wilkes County has voted Republican in every election bar three: in 1856 it voted for "Know-Nothing" Millard Fillmore , in 1860 for Constitutional Unionist John Bell , and in 1912 for Progressive Theodore Roosevelt . The primary governing body of Wilkes County follows
11000-410: Was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.0 males. The per capita income for the town was $ 14,594. About 21.8% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 3.2% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over. Wilkes County, North Carolina Wilkes County is a county located in
11110-415: Was 42.4 years. For every 100 females there were 97.69 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.42 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 30,668, and the median income for a family was $ 39,670. Males had a median income of $ 30,917 versus $ 26,182 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 18,319. About 17.60% of families and 21.50% of the population were below
11220-482: Was closed following the 1996 NASCAR season. Two new owners, Bob Bahre and Bruton Smith , moved North Wilkesboro's NASCAR races to their tracks in Texas and New Hampshire . In 2009, Speedway Associates, Inc., obtained a three-year lease and started running races and other events at the speedway. However, in May 2011, the group announced that funding had fallen through and they were ending their lease prematurely. Following
11330-668: Was derived from a tradition of distilling the alcohol at night to avoid detection. In the first decades of the 21st century, commercial distilleries have adopted the term for its outlaw cachet and have begun producing their own legal "moonshine", including many novelty flavored varieties, that are said to continue the tradition by using a similar method and/or locale of production. In 2013, moonshine accounted for about one-third of global alcohol consumption. Different languages and countries have their own terms for moonshine (see Moonshine by country ). The ethanol may be concentrated in fermented beverages by means of freezing. For example,
11440-421: Was featured by the writer Tom Wolfe in a 1965 Esquire magazine article titled "The Last American Hero Is Junior Johnson. Yes!", which gave him national exposure. Wolfe's vivid article was later adapted as the movie The Last American Hero (1973), starring Jeff Bridges and Valerie Perrine . Benny Parsons and Jimmy Pardue were two other notable NASCAR drivers from Wilkes. The North Wilkesboro Speedway
11550-423: Was founded in 1962 in the parlor of art patron Annie Winkler's home and in 2004 moved into the renovated North Wilkesboro Post Office building located in the heart of downtown North Wilkesboro. The Gallery's 10,000-square-foot (930 m) facility includes over 3,500 square feet (330 m) of exhibition space, an education center with a ceramics studio, painting and drawing studios, two multi-purpose classrooms, and
11660-668: Was introduced with the Revenue Act of 1861 and Revenue Act of 1862 that heavily taxed the production of spirits leading to an increase in illegal distilling and in turn, increased action from revenue agents that enforced the taxes. Illegal distilling accelerated during the Prohibition era (1920–1933), which mandated a total ban on alcohol production under the Eighteenth Amendment of the Constitution . Since
11770-557: Was once known as the " Moonshine Capital of the World", and was a leading producer of illegal homemade liquor. From the 1920s to the 1950s some young Wilkes County males made their living by delivering moonshine to North Carolina's larger towns and cities. Wilkes County natives also used bootleg liquor as a means for barter far beyond the borders of North Carolina. Many Wilkes County distillers ran white liquor as far as Detroit , New Jersey , and South Florida . Since this often involved outrunning local police and federal agents in auto chases,
11880-460: Was popularized in 1958 by the top-selling Kingston Trio song "Hang Down Your Head, Tom Dooley." Dula's story was also turned into a 1959 movie starring Michael Landon as Dula, and each summer Bleu Moon Productions presents an outdoor drama based on the story. In 2001, Tom Dula was ceremonially acquitted of all charges by the county. Moonshine Moonshine is high-proof liquor , traditionally made or distributed illegally . The name
11990-485: Was started in North Wilkesboro in 1946. Like many small towns and cities in rural North Carolina, North Wilkesboro has suffered since 2000 from the closing of nearly all of its textile and furniture factories, which have moved to low-wage locations in Latin America and Asia . The factories were a major part of the town's economic base. The North Wilkesboro Speedway , located just outside the city limits, predates
12100-551: Was voted the 2004 Small Business of the Year by the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce . Wilkes Medical Center was opened in 1952 as Wilkes General Hospital. In 2017, Wake Forest Baptist Health brought the hospital, at the time known as Wilkes Regional Medical Center, into their system. WMC is the largest hospital in northwestern North Carolina and is Wilkes County's fourth largest employer. West Park, formerly
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