Returning from Burlington yesterday, we drove through downtown Gibsonville, a community of approximately 6,000 people located in the easternmost part of Guilford County. Named in honor of Joseph Gibson, Gibsonville was incorporated in 1871; however, the Gibsonville Post Office opened sixteen years earlier in 1855. Founding fathers laid the boundaries of the town in both Guilford and Alamance Counties, which has been quite a challenge with respect to governance. In 1971, 100 years after its incorporation, Melvin O. Wyrick published a History of Gibsonville, excerpts of which city officials have posted (here).
Southern Railway can trace its roots, and the beginning of its many iterations, to the 1830's. The bright red, vintage Southern Railway car, parked downtown, is an iconic memory of Gibsonville's booming rail history. It is located beside the tracks that parallel to E. Railroad Avenue, across from the former Cone Mills Minneola Textile Mill. Gibsonville saw extensive rail traffic in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the flurry of commerce surrounding the textile mill.
A little bit of downtown Gibsonville is peeking out on the left of the photo. If you want to see more of the historic community and experience Gibsonville's southern charm, visit their annual Christmas parade-- to be held at 2pm on Saturday December 10th. We're placing an order for snow flurries to accompany the parade!
I was in Burlington yesterday, but I guess a different one than yours! :)
Love this red train car. So bright and pretty.
Posted by: Halcyon | Monday, October 24, 2011 at 10:13 AM