LAURINBURG — Civil War Trails Inc., in partnership with the Scotland County Tourism Development Authority, recently gave a facelift to the program which has served the county for more than 13 years.
The six sites are part of the network of more than 1,600 sites that make up the worlds largest “Open Air Museum.” The program encourages visitors to stand in the footsteps of soldiers, citizens, and those fighting to gain their freedom.
Civil War Trails continues to experience growing visitation, along with an increasingly younger and more dynamic audience.
“The Civil War Trails program brings many visitors from across the country and abroad which brings commerce to many small town restaurants, wineries, gift shops and creates overnight visitation,” explained Andre Nabors, manager of Parther Relations with Visit NC.
“This is all a part of our mission to deliver economic development by the carload, encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more,” said Drew Gruber, executive director of Civil War Trails.
Since the signs were originally installed, new research including images and accounts have come to light and were the driving force behind the update to these signs. The markers now tell personal stories of soldiers on the march, citizens caught in the crossfire, local industry, and the experience of North Carolinians after the conflicts end.
“The Civil War Trails program is one of the best sustainable trails programs in the country,” Nabors said. “Telling the story to visitors and residents and keeping markers updated and visible for all.”
For information, call the Scotland County Tourism Development Authority at 888-270-0048 or Civil War Trails at 757-378-5462. Connect with us on social media @civilwartrails #openairmuseum.
