Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Mobile, Alabama

Mobile is the third most populous city in the state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. The city's name is derived from the presence of the Mobile Indians in the area at the time of founding. Mobile is the only saltwater port in Alabama. Located along the northwest shore of Mobile Bay, the city began as the first capital of colonial French Louisiana in 1702. Over the past 300 years, Mobile has officially flown six flags, including France, Britain, Spain, the Republic of Alabama (1861), the Confederacy, and the United States.

The Village Prints drawing of Mobile captures the elegance of this fair city.

Springville, Alabama



Historic Springville, Alabama is located 30 miles north of Birmingham adjacent to Interstate 59. With a population of more than 3,000 citizens, the town continues to grow because of its friendly people, outstanding schools, and beautiful countryside.

Springville hosts many events throughout the year. These events include cruise-ins featuring antique cars, concerts, fireworks shows and "Homestead Hollow."

The Village Prints drawing of Springville, Alabama, depicts a church, a section of the historic downtown area, the old depot, the old high school, and the town hall.

Hendersonville, North Carolina



Hendersonville, North Carolina, depicted in this drawing, is a wonderful place to visit. The various landmarks depicted on the drawing include several historical homes, a number of churches, the dome of the courthouse, the old depot, the old high school and the post office. Hendersonville is located in Henderson County, North Carolina, 22 miles southeast of Asheville. It is the county seat of Henderson County. Like the county, the city is named for 19th-century North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Leonard Henderson.

The city has an exceptionally beautiful small-city downtown comprised primarily of boutiques, antique shops, and tourist attractions. Its architecture reflects the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hendersonville is also well known for the North Carolina Apple Festival that takes place on Main Street every autumn.

Lincolnton, North Carolina



Lincolnton, North Carolinahttp://www.villageprints.com/drawings/north-carolina/lincolnton-nc, is depicted in a Village Prints pencil drawing. Included on the limited-edition prints are several historical buildings, including a church, the old high school, the court house, and other significant landmarks.

Lincolnton is the county seat of Lincoln County. Lincolnton, a former textile mill town, is located in central North Carolina, northwest of Charlotte. The community was named for Revolutionary War Gen. Benjamin Lincoln. Gaston College is located in Lincolnton.

Kannapolis, North Carolina



The Village Prints drawing of Kannapolis, North Carolina, depicts several historical buildings such as the old Cannon Mills, the courthouse, city hall, an old movie theater, one of the churches, etc.

In 1906, James William Cannon bought several farms to build Cannon Mills Company. Under the guidance of James Cannon's son, Charles, Cannon Mills became the world's largest producer of household textiles and a household name. Kannapolis was built as a mill village of small craftsman-style homes. The mill employees lived in the homes for a low rent and enjoyed free maintenance, low- cost utilities, and free garbage collection and disposal while paying no taxes. The Cannons also provided a YMCA, a hospital, a police department, scholarships, loans and jobs.

In 1982, California financier David Murdoch took over Cannon Mills. Murdock merged the mill in 1985 with Fieldcrest Mills Inc. creating Fieldcrest Cannon. In 1984, the citizens of Kannapolis voted to incorporate making the largest unincorporated area in the United States the 16th largest city in North Carolina. The Pillowtex Corporation purchased Fieldcrest Cannon in 1997. The City prepared for the day the mill would close. In the mid-1990s, 10 square miles of land to the west of Kannapolis was identified as a growth area and annexed to the city.

Concord, North Carolina


When the new county of Cabarrus, North Carolina, was formed, there was controversy over the selection of the county seat. Finally, a compromise was reached and a new city was formed in 1796. The city was to be located on a 26-acre site and was to be called Concord, which means harmony. The founders felt the name appropriate since there was a coming together of the two factions to create the city. Concord was incorporated in 1806.

The Village Prints drawing of Concord depicts several historical landmarks such as the old court house, the old mill, the post office, the old high school and other buildings. Concord is located in the Piedmont. Gold was discovered near Concord in 1799, sparking the North Carolina gold rush. The city was the filming location for the 2001 movie, "Shallow Hal." Well-known residents have included William "Billy" Goodman, baseball player. Attractions in Concord include the Concord Motorsport Park, the Lowe's Motor Speedway, and NASCAR Speedpark. To purchase a copy of the print pictured above, see this link: http://www.villageprints.com/drawings/north-carolina/concord-nc.

Jacksonville, Texas



Jacksonville is located in an area of rolling hills in East Texas, north of the county seat, Rusk, and south of Tyler. Area production and shipping of tomatoes gained the town the title "Tomato Capital of the World.” The impressive red iron ore rock Tomato Bowl, built by WPA workers during the Great Depression, is home to the Jacksonville High School Fightin' Indians. The Village Prints drawing of Jacksonville, Texas, depicts several landmarks of the town including the famous "Tomato Bowl" stadium, the Library, the old high school, historical homes, etc.

Annual events include the "Tomato Fest" celebration in June, and the "Tops in Texas Rodeo,” held in July. It is the hometown of country music singers Lee Ann Womack and Neal McCoy, Detroit Lions Quarterback Josh McCown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Luke McCown, Jacksonville Jaguars' punter Toby Gowin, and former New York Jets Tight End and Defensive End Pete Lammons.

Jacksonville began in 1847 as the town of Gum Creek. Jackson Smith built a home and blacksmith shop in the area and became postmaster in 1848, when a post office was authorized. Shortly afterward, Dr. William Jackson established an office near Smith's shop. When the townsite was laid out in 1850, the name Jacksonville was chosen in honor of these two men.