Notable North
Carolinians
Zebulon B. Vance
 |
Birth Place:
Weaverville, NC
|
The Life of Zebulon B. VanceZeb Vance served in public office for thirty years and is well known for the part he played in a very important era for the state of North Carolina. A witty and talented orator, he was quite a successful as a lawyer. However, his passion was in the political arena. The mountain people with whom he was raised found him charming and understanding of their needs. Hence he was elected to office for the first time in his twenty-forth year. His political offices included the North Carolina House of Commons, the United States of Representatives, and governor and U.S. Senator of North Carolina, both of which he served three terms. In the Confederacy, and in Congress after the Reconstruction Zebulon B. Vance was a major proponent of local self-government and liberty for individuals. He was hesitant to support the Confederate campaign. However once he finally decided to support their cause, he was a prominent voice and served as a colonel, commanding the Twenty-sixth North Carolina Regiment. Zebulon B. Vance fought for the basic rights for people. He was the lone observer of the writ of habeas corpus, joined by no other governor in the whole of the United States. To his crusade he welcomed only volunteers. He also generated a great deal of spirit for Southerners in their fight. For this he earned the name as "War Governor of the South." Vance did wonders for the aid and morale of southern soldiers and their families during the hardship of war. His efforts earned him respect and appreciation from those he governed. " In 1879 Vance began the first of three full terms as United States senator; his death in 1894 interrupted a fourth term. Rugged, dynamic, and controversial, the senator was a powerful debater, packing the Senate galleries during every speech he delivered. In his long quest for accomplishment, Zebulon Vance had worked his way to the top by reading and studying until he mastered the pressing issues before the country." (Quoted: http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/vance/vance.htm)
| |
| The original log home of Zebulon B. Vance
has been renovated for public viewing. The two story house that
stands there now was reconstructed around the original chimney and its two
impressive fireplaces. Inside, visitors can marvel at furniture and other
common household pieces from the period between 1790 and 1840, some of
which are originals of the home. Also located on the grounds are six
other log buildings: the corn crib, springhouse, smokehouse, loom
house, slave house, and tool house. There is also a visitor's center
which houses additional exhibits depicting the life of Zebulon B. Vance.
|
|
|
|
Internet Resources: |
| Credits: | Teacher: Cynthia Blake School: Northern Granville Middle School County: Granville
|
