Exploring the LITTLE RIVER BASIN

Exhibition at Stagville

In November 2001 the Eno River Association and the Stagville Foundation hosted an exhibition at historic Stagville Plantation. Featured were maps, photographs, and objects that provide insight into the history of the Little River Basin, its former residents, and the sites you pass on the tour. Visitors could pick up tour brochures with a map and description of stops, and purchase copies of the Eno Journal's special Little River edition. The exhibition began with special weekend hours at Stagville: Saturday Nov. 10th 10-5 and Sunday Nov. 11th 1-5 and continued for several weeks.

The exhibit provided another dimension of the human past of the river basin, displaying letters from a schoolboy at the South Lowell Academy, a mill construction worker at Orange Factory, and a working girl's acceptance of a would-be lover. A page from a 1770s general store daybook was contrasted with one from the 1850s. The Rev. John A. McMannen's curious engraving of the roads to Heaven and Hell contrasted with the U.S. patent drawing of the "smut machine" that brought him equal riches. Also in the exhibit were all kinds of photographs: professional and amateur, architectural and botanical.

To reach Stagville from Durham, take exit 177C/Roxboro Road North off 85N. Wind onto Roxboro Road, and drive north approximately 1.4 miles. Turn right onto Old Oxford Highway. (One should see a Historic Stagville sign at this point.) Go approx. 6.8 miles on Old Oxford to Stagville entrance (on right). The exhibition was in the Education Center behind the 18^th century Bennehan House. more directions

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