Merlefest North Carolina - Wilkesboro, North Carolina

For two and a half centuries the Tory Oak grew strong and stately in the center of Wilkesboro, a symbol of the revolutionary struggle that led to the founding of our county. Some leaders called this old tree the Liberty Oak, but it became famous because several enemies of the American Revolution, know as Tories, were hanged on its limbs when the tree was still young.

Revolutionary War battles raged elsewhere, but here in the hills and valleys of what was to become Wilkes County, the War for American Independence was fought mostly among colonial residents of different persuasions. One of the strongest voices for independence was that of Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, leader of the local militia. Members of the militia, sometimes known as Mountain Men, were ordinary working citizens. Tories were residents who did not side with independence and wanted to remain a British colony. Tories were ruthless in fighting the forces who favored independence. Colonel Cleveland was captured by Tories, rescued, and then captured Tories himself. Some of these Tories were brought to Wilkesboro (before it was known as Wilkesboro) and were executed by hanging from the limbs of a black oak tree. later, colonel Cleveland led the Mountain Men to meet a part of the British regular army, and helped win an important battle at Kings Mountain. Not long afterwards, the British commander surrendered and the American colonies became independent. The new nation was based on the rights of citizens to a government of their own choosing.

No great Revolutionary War battles were fought in Wilkesboro. Instead of a battlefield with monuments, the Tory Oak became the proud local symbol of the successful War for American Independence and the birth of our nation. The Tory Oak reminds us of the determined patriots who did their part to win freedom and to live in a democracy. Toward the end of the aged tree's life, its image became a symbolic reminder of Wilkesboro's historic past and promising future.

The Town of Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Pete M. Mann

Wilkesboro NC is a community located along the Yadkin River in the foothills of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Brushy Mountains. Wilkesboro NC is home to Merlefest, the Wilkes Art and Heritage Festival, and neighbor to the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival. The history of Wilkesboro includes such names and places as Tom Dooley (Dula), the Tory Oak, and the Overmountain Victory Trail. For recreation, Wilkesboro NC offers easy access to sites such W. Kerr Scott Reservoir and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains also offer a beautiful parkway for relaxing drives.The inaugural Merlefest took place in April 1988 to a crowd of about 4,000 people. Merlefest takes its name from Merle Watson, who died in a tractor accident in 1985. Merle Watson was a noted finger-picking guitarist in the folk, blues, and country styles. He and his legendary guitarist father, Doc, performed together. Merlefest was conceived as a benefit concert to raise funds for a memorial garden in honor of Merle that would be located on the grounds of Wilkes Community College. Including the inaugural festival in 1988, the Merlefest has always been held at Wilkes Community College.