Category: Danbury [NC Community]

History of Danbury, NC
Danbury, North Carolina, is a small but historically rich town located in Stokes County, in the north-central part of the state near the Virginia border. Here’s a concise overview of its history:

️ Early Settlement & Founding
- Danbury was established in 1851, the same year Stokes County was divided to create Forsyth County.
- The town was designated as the county seat of Stokes County, chosen for its central location after Germanton was no longer suitable due to Forsyth’s formation.
- Named after Danbury, Connecticut, likely by settlers or officials with ties to New England.
19th Century Development
- Danbury grew as a government and legal center, with the construction of the Stokes County Courthouse (completed in the mid-1800s).
- A small commercial area developed, including general stores, blacksmith shops, and services that supported the rural farming population.
- Unlike many towns, Danbury was not built around a major railroad, which limited its industrial growth but preserved its rural and civic character.
Link To Stokes County Website

Link To The Danbury Website

⚔️ Civil War Era
- During the Civil War, Danbury was a minor strategic point, and its residents were affected by conscription and wartime shortages.
- Confederate troops moved through or near the area, and some residents joined local militias or regiments.
- There were no major battles in the town, but the war deeply impacted the community’s economy and families.
20th Century and the Rise of Tourism
- In the 1900s, Danbury remained small and agriculturally focused but saw increasing interest due to its proximity to natural beauty.
- Just northwest of Danbury is Hanging Rock State Park, created in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The park brought tourism, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the area.
- Danbury became a gateway town to the park, benefiting from tourism while retaining its quiet, small-town feel.
️ Preservation & Heritage
- Several historic buildings remain, including:
  - Stokes County Courthouse (built in 1904, still in use)
  - Moratock Iron Furnace (remains of a Confederate-era iron works destroyed by Union troops in 1865)
  - Historic homes and churches scattered through the town.
Modern Danbury
- As of today, Danbury is a tiny town with fewer than 200 residents, but it serves as the administrative center for Stokes County.
- It’s a stop for tourists visiting Hanging Rock, enjoying the Dan River, and exploring Appalachian foothills culture.
- The town embraces its history through local events, preservation efforts, and tourism.
History of Danbury, NC
May 24, 2025
History of Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock State Park is located in the Sauratown Mountains of Stokes County, North Carolina. The park is known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and unique geologic features, including the prominent Hanging Rock formation from which the park gets its name. Here’s an overview of the history of Hanging Rock State Park:

Early History
Indigenous Peoples: Long before European settlers arrived, the region was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sautee, who utilized the area’s natural resources for hunting, foraging, and settlement.
European Settlement: In the 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, drawn to the area for its natural beauty and resources. The Sauratown Mountains, including Hanging Rock, became recognized for their dramatic landscapes.
Establishment as a Park

Early 20th Century:
By the early 1900s, the area gained popularity as a destination for locals and visitors looking to escape urban life and enjoy the natural surroundings. The scenic vistas and abundant waterfalls attracted hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Formation of the Park: In 1935, the state of North Carolina officially designated Hanging Rock as a state park. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in the development of the park during the 1930s, constructing trails, picnic areas, and cabins, which helped to enhance accessibility to the park’s natural features.
Development and Preservation

Post-WW II Era:
Following World War II, there was a growing interest in outdoor recreation, and Hanging Rock State Park became a popular spot for hikers, climbers, and campers.
Ongoing Conservation: Over the years, park management has focused on preserving the natural environment while providing opportunities for recreational activities. Hiking trails to notable spots, such as the Hanging Rock overlook, the waterfalls, and the various rock formations, have been maintained and improved.

Hanging Rock State Park is located in the Sauratown Mountains of Stokes County, North Carolina.

Modern Era

Recreational Opportunities:Today, Hanging Rock State Park encompasses more than 4,700 acres, featuring over 20 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, camping facilities, and opportunities for rock climbing, fishing, and swimming.
Visitor Engagement: The park actively engages visitors with educational programs, events, and guided hikes, emphasizing conservation and appreciation of the natural environment.
Hanging Rock State Park remains a cherished resource in North Carolina, combining stunning natural beauty with a rich history of human interaction with the land. Its ongoing preservation and development ensure that it will continue to be a beloved destination for generations to come.

Click Here For Hanging Rock Official Website

History of Hanging Rock State Park

March 5, 2025
Priddy’s General Store

Priddy’s is a journey you’ll never forget. Lulled by the peaceful setting it will get into your very being, often beckoning you back to visit a spell…

It’s all here, waiting for you to take a trip down memory lane, where old times are never forgotten. Priddy’s is where you can forget the mad rush; Where time stands still. Where you can slowly peruse the things of the past, letting your mouth water at the sight of homemade jams, jellies, baked goods, old fashioned candies..

Priddy’s General Store has been an important part of the Danbury community for as long as most local old timers can remember. In 1888 the building was built by the Hartman Family, and in 1929 N.D. and Lula Priddy purchased the building and opened “N.D. Priddy Grocery”. Their son J. Elwood and his wife Pat took over the store in 1960. Since 1999 (after Elwood Priddy’s death) Jane Priddy Charleville manages the store for her mother, Pat. Jane is the 3rd generation Priddy to operate the store with continuing the old traditions and maintaining the rustic atmosphere.

They look forward to you stopping by and taking a step back in time and enjoy the good ole days.

2121 Sheppard Mill Rd Danbury, NC 27016

Visit Priddy’s face book page by clicking here

Today, I had the opportunity to personally visit Priddy’s General Store. It was everything that write ups and verbal descriptions said it was and more. A couple of cousins and I were meeting in Danbury and decided since it was lunch time the Priddy’s store might be a good place to start. The staff prepared home made sandwiches and served cold drinks…..the kind in glass bottles and a knock off top…..Real sodas.

My sandwich was honey mustard bread, a slice of bologna, a slice of American cheese and a slice of onion accompanied by an ice cold Dr. Pepper. The sandwich was custom made and…yes….I did order it just as described. The ambiance was great, the service was great and the food was great……..If you are in the Danbury area, I highly recommend a visit to Priddy’s General Store.

Support your local business.

Our website does not receive compensation for placing this post about Priddy’s Store.

Priddy’s General Store

July 6, 2024
Danbury

Danbury is a town located in Danbury Township, Stokes County, North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 189. It is the county seat of Stokes County. Danbury is located on NC highways 8/89 approximately 20 miles north of Winston-Salem and is the “Gateway to Hanging Rock”.

The brick building is the Stokes County Historical Society Museum..

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Link To Stokes County Website

Link To The Danbury Website

This is a view up main street looking west. Danbury is not a metropolis, having a population only a couple of hundred citizens. Stokes county is not heavily populated either, but it is growing. The growth is particularly noticeable on the south side of the county. This area is picking up some of the expansion of Winston Salem. Hopefully the growth does not spoil the beauty of this area.

Hanging Rock State Park is a mountainous area with natural beauty. There are many hiking trails and waterfalls. Of course the main attraction is the Hanging Rock itself. The main entrance to the park is a short distance west of Danbury.

This picture is the Danbury Community Church. I did not go inside of this building, but I was intrigued by the architecture. This building is beautiful in it’s simplicity.

Danbury is a small town located in Stokes County, North Carolina, United States. It is the county seat of Stokes County and has a population of approximately 190 residents as of the 2020 census. Danbury is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its picturesque scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The town of Danbury has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in the early 19th century. It was named after Danbury, Connecticut and was originally settled by the Saura Native American tribe. The town grew as a center for trade and commerce along the Dan River and was a hub for the production of textiles and tobacco in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, Danbury remains a quaint and charming town with a historic downtown area featuring shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. The town is also home to the Stokes County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Danbury is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring the nearby Hanging Rock State Park. The town also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, including the Stokes Stomp Music Festival and the Dan River Bluegrass Festival.

Overall, Danbury, NC is a peaceful and scenic town with a rich history and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

The county seat of Stokes County, North Carolina, is the town of Danbury. The history of Danbury as the county seat dates back to the early 19th century when Stokes County was formed in 1789. The town was officially established and named Danbury in 1836.

Danbury was chosen as the county seat of Stokes County due to its central location and accessibility to the Dan River, which was an important transportation route for trade and commerce at the time. The Stokes County Courthouse was built in Danbury in 1849 and remains an important landmark in the town to this day.

As the county seat, Danbury served as the administrative and governmental center of Stokes County, hosting court proceedings, government offices, and other official functions. The town grew in importance and population throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to the development and prosperity of Stokes County as a whole.

Today, Danbury continues to serve as the county seat of Stokes County, playing a vital role in local government and administration. The town’s historic downtown area features the Stokes County Courthouse, as well as other historic buildings and landmarks that reflect its role as the county seat.

Overall, the history of Danbury as the county seat of Stokes County is closely intertwined with the development and growth of the town and the county as a whole. The town’s historic significance and continued importance as a governmental center make it a key part of Stokes County’s heritage.

Danbury Stokes County.

June 12, 2024
Moratok Iron Furnace Park

The Moratok Iron Furnace in Danbury, North Carolina has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The furnace was built in 1847 by prominent local industrialist Charles L. Phillips. It was constructed to produce iron from the abundant local iron ore deposits in the region.

The furnace operated for several decades, playing a key role in the local economy and contributing to the growth of the iron industry in North Carolina. The iron produced at the Moratok Iron Furnace was used for various purposes, including the production of tools, machinery, and other metal products.

The furnace ceased operation in the late 19th century due to changes in the iron industry and the depletion of local ore deposits. Today, the Moratok Iron Furnace is a historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial history of North Carolina. The ruins of the furnace serve as a reminder of the important role that iron production played in the development of the region.

During the Civil War, the Moratok Iron Furnace in Danbury, North Carolina played a significant role in supporting the Confederate war effort. The furnace was in operation during the early years of the war, producing iron that was used to manufacture weapons, ammunition, and other military supplies for the Confederate army.

The iron produced at the Moratok Iron Furnace was essential for the Confederacy’s ability to sustain its war efforts, as it provided a local source of iron that was crucial for producing weapons and supplies for the troops. The iron industry in North Carolina, including furnaces like Moratok, helped to support the Confederate war machine and contributed to the overall war effort.

As the war progressed and supply lines became increasingly strained, local sources of iron like the Moratok Iron Furnace became even more important for the Confederate military. The furnace continued to operate throughout the war, playing a key role in providing the iron needed to support the Southern war effort.

Overall, the Moratok Iron Furnace’s production of iron during the Civil War was an important contribution to the Confederate war effort and highlights the role of industrial resources in supporting military operations during this tumultuous period in American history.

The picture below is an information sign mounted in front of the furnace. This shows the furnace as it appeared in it’s prime.

The furnace remains are located in a larger park area. The Dan River runs in front of the Furnace and is accessible to park visitors.

Other amenities of the park are:
Handicap Accessible
Private area for groups
Outdoor seating
Boat access
Alcohol prohibited
Parking: Free
Pet policy: Yes
Dog friendly
Family friendly
Group friendly
Tours: Self guided