Land Context and History
Piedmont Wildlife Center operates out of Leigh Farm Park and Blackwood Farm Park. Both of these parks are remnants of 19th-century plantations and are on land that was once part of the shared territory of Saponi, Tuscarora, Occaneechi, Cheraw, Eno, Shakori, Catawba, and Lumbee nations. The county parks departments have preserved multiple historic structures in our locations. In addition, Umstead State Park in Wake County was once a segregated park and indigenous territory.
It is imperative that we discuss this history with our staff and campers that engage with these spaces, amplify the stories of the Indigenous and enslaved peoples who cared for the land, and continue learning about and examining the parks’ legacy as we move forward with a vision of justice and inclusivity.
We have compiled a list of resources to help investigate these lands’ histories and develop methods to discuss them with campers, family, and staff.
Please let us know if you have perspectives or resources to share - we are always interested in getting others involved in our journey!
online resources
indigenous peoples history
Native Land
An interactive, open-use map showing previous and present Indigenous territories and settlements.
UNC - About NC Native Communities
Resources on North Carolina’s 8 Native American tribes and 4 urban Indian organizations.
UNC-Chapel Hill Library - Indigenous Peoples of North Carolina: General Resources
Digital and print media resources on Indigenous history in NC compiled by UNC-Chapel Hill Libraries
NC Museum of History - 2020 American Indian Heritage Celebration Resources
A list of NC’s Native American literature, art, and educational resources compiled by the NC Museum of History
african american and enslaved peoples history
UNC-Greensboro - Digital Library of American Slavery
Digitized archival material on African American slavery in NC
African American Odyssey
Records and exhibits of African American history compiled by the U.S. Library of Congress
BlackPast.org
An online reference guide to African American History, including an interactive map with related resources
Family Search - African American Resources for North Carolina
NCpedia - Exploring North Carolina: African American History
