Scottish immigrants began farming the area now known as Southern Pines, Pinehurst, and Aberdeen in the early 1800s. As a result of the abundant pine forests, the area flourished as a resource for the tar, turpentine, and lumber industries much needed by the rapidly developing northern cities. As timber-related businesses flourished, a lucrative railway station developed at Aberdeen in the 1850s.
In 1885, James Walker Tufts, a wealthy Boston philanthropist, came to the Sandhills area to develop a resort that would be ideal for his failing health. Shortly after arriving in Southern Pines, Tufts purchased a 5,800-acre piece of land that today encompasses much of the area now known as Pinehurst. Tuft planned to develop the area as a year-round retreat for Northeasterners to relax and get away from the fast-paced atmosphere and cold climate of northern cities. Although first named Tuftstown, the town was later changed to Pinehurst, a name submitted for a contest to name a real estate development at Tuft’s summer retreat on Martha’s Vineyard.
Tufts hired Frederick Olmstead, architect of New York City’s Central Park and the grounds of the US Capitol building, to design a New England-esque atmosphere in the town of Pinehurst. The town, which still retains many of the original houses, was designed with curving streets shaded by thousands of imported semi-tropical trees. Although tennis, croquet, and archery were Pinehurst’s original sports, the mild climate and sandy soil quickly made it a golfing getaway.
To help develop Pinehurst as a golf retreat, Tufts hired Donald Ross, a Scottish golf course architect, to design golf courses and manage golf operations. Ross designed several local courses in the Pinehurst area, including the Pinehurst No. 2 Course, site of the 1999 and 2005 US Open, and Pine Needles, site of several previous women’s US Opens. In addition to designing Pinehurst 1-5, Ross designed more than 400 golf courses around the world. The Ross House, located on the 3rd hole of Pinehurst #2, and the Pinecrest Inn, which was owned and operated by Donald Ross, are Pinehurst landmarks. Today, Pinehurst is nationally ranked as a premier golf community offering public access to several of the Carolinas’ top-rated courses.
In addition to the Pinehurst #1-8 resort courses, the area boasts over 50 additional golf courses, making it one of the most dense golf areas in the world. Pinehurst is often referred to as the “Golf Capital of the World” and is featured in golf magazines as the best golf-related area to live or visit in the US In 1996, the town of Pinehurst was designated a National Landmark by its historical significance in the US history of golf This is the only golf-related designation of its kind in the United States.
The mild year-round climate also opens the door to many other activities, including equestrian events (the Pinehurst area is home to five Olympic champion equestrians), tennis (several amateur tennis tournaments are held on the Pinehurst courts). ), croquet and lawn bowls. (several national champions are members of Pinehurst clubs), cycling (the Aberdeen area is used for training and qualifying for Olympic cycling teams), water sports, fishing, walking and much more. The wide variety of shops, restaurants and ideal meeting facilities create the perfect environment for business or pleasure.
Climate of the area
The area’s climate, which is milder and drier year-round than surrounding areas, is the result of its unique combination of sandy soil, its elevation (600 feet above sea level in some places), and its protection by mountains. Appalachian Mountains. Although Pinehurst offers a four-season climate, the mild winters generally allow for relaxing rounds of golf for most of the winter season. Annual snowfall averages about 4 inches per year, and the snow typically lasts less than two to three days.
horse country
Since the early 1900’s, horse breeding has been an active lifestyle throughout Moore County. The mild climate, as there are very few days when the ground is frozen, and an abundant supply of excellent horse terrain have been the main factors that attract horse enthusiasts from all over the US.
While the adjoining area of the 4,500-acre Walthour-Moss Foundation, which runs along Youngs Road, is traditional Sandhills Horse Country, the horse community has expanded to other areas, including Carthage, Cameron, Pinehurst, Vass and West End. Although the Southern Pines area is rich with million-dollar-plus estates, there is plenty of room for the moderate horse enthusiast. Several horse farms offer boarding, breeding and training facilities. The area is steeped in tradition with multiple Olympic champions, Pan American medalists, respected judges and trainers located throughout the horse farm community. There are horse-related shows and exhibits almost every week of the year. Dates for horse-related activities can be obtained by contacting your local Chamber of Commerce.