The history of Robeson County reaches farther back than its creation in 1787 and reflects the impressive story of North Carolina. Carved out of the fertile farmlands on the border between North and South Carolina, Robeson is the Tarheel State's largest county at 948 square miles. It has been called "The State of Robeson" not only because of its size but also because of the fierce independence and self-reliance of its people. The county is unique in its almost equally balanced tri-racial population. The residents-Native American, African American, and white-have worked together over the centuries to create a culturally diverse community. Agriculture and textiles abound in the county's past, as well as transportation innovations, like the largest wartime glider air base ever built. Indeed, Robeson County's citizens have served in every American conflict from the Revolutionary War on, including its own internal war-the Lowery War-which lasted 10 years.
