North Carolina Legends

by Richard Walser

North Carolina is a state whose history has been enriched by legends and folklore. Tales of mystery and the supernatural, stories about the famous and the infamous, well-known sayings that have become intertwined with historical facts – these add color to the pattern of the Tar Heel State’s development. Questions often arise as to the origin of these sayings and tales. Never before have so many legends been brought together as in this latest publication by Richard Walser. Mr. Walser (1908-1988) wrote and edited for five decades and was one of North Carolina’s best-known authors. Illustrations were produced by Bill Ballard of Raleigh.

Genres: Folklore, Nonfiction, Short Stories

76 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this as a kid in the 90’s when we visited the Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site. I suspect it’s in many gift shops! I enjoyed it. There’s ghosts, paranormal, mysteries, etc.

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of folklore from North Carolina.
Something that I would pick up, here and there, and read a story before laying it aside again.
I guess I just don't enjoy this type of book now as much as I did when I was a teenager.
Bought at the visitors center while in search of The Lost Colony, Outer Banks, N.C. .

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short collection of legends great for storytellers to build upon. The stories tend to have little elaboration, but the collection includes such common legends as "The Vanishing Hitchhiker" (set near Jamestown, NC), Blackbeard's death at the hands of Lieutenant Robert Maynard, and the well-known Jack tale "Sop Doll," along with more local legends, such as "How Nags Head Got Its Name" and the origin stories surrounding "Tar Heels." A fun little treasury for those interested in NC places, people, ghosts, and legendary events.

[MizJawnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book last year in NC. I love picking up books about local folklore or ghost stories when I travel. This is a small, quick read but very well organized with engaging writing. Some of the stories I had heard or read in other places but there were plenty that I hadn’t heard before. I’d recommend picking it up as a souvenir for the bookworms in your life!

[Kyle Rieman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up when we visited Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in April of 2022. I must say I enjoyed it quite a bit. Its always interesting to learn about some of the folk legends from other parts of the country

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought of a legend about NC the other day, and remembered I'd read this book when I was young. A collection of short stories about ghosts, haunts and other mysteries from the mountains to the coast of NC. Stories range from the devil, to mysterious lights, to a wild cat, to a Cherokee ghost.

[Samantha Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was alot of stuff about my own state I didn't know, it was a good short read

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Explains where Tar Heels comes from, but kind of boring

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I like reading about different myths and legends from other states and countries than mine.