Governor Morehead Park

One of the oldest manufacturing sites in North Carolina. Governor JOHN MOTLEY MOREHEAD founded the Leaksville Cotton Mill in the late 1830’s. The original mill was three-stories, with a full basement and was known as the “Old Stone Factory” for its solid rubblestone construction. This was the centerpiece of an eventual industrial complex as other smaller structures were built on the property for manufacturing purposes. The property changed hands numerous times through the years and this historic structure fell into a state of disrepair. After attempts by local preservationists to save the property, the entire complex was demolished in 1992 with the exception of the original stone foundation, which is all that remains today. The Eden Preservation Society purchased the site in 1996 and established the Gov. Morehead Park.