Prosperity from War

When North Carolina became the last state to secede from the Union in May 1861, Washington Duke's small farm and homestead here consisted of more than 300 acres. He grew typical crops such as corn, wheat, oats, and sweet potatoes, and had raised cotton as a cash crop until it failed in the 1850s, when he began cultivating bright-leaf tobacco. Drafted into the Confederate Navy in September 1863, Duke was soon captured and imprisoned in Richmond, Va. He was released after the war and sent to New Bern, N.C. He then walked 134 miles back to his homestead. Duke discovered that the soldiers encamped here had consumed most of his stored tobacco while Gens. Joseph E. Johnston and William T. Sherman negotiated the Confederate surrender at James and Nancy Bennett's farm, now Bennett Place State Historic Site. Fortunately, the soldiers left enough tobacco for Duke and his family to produce "Pro Bono Publico" ("for the public good") brand smoking tobacco. Its popularity encouraged the Dukes to manufacture other, equally popular brands, largely purchased by soldiers who introduced bright-leaf tobacco to their communities. The Duke family soon prospered, and W. Duke, Sons and Company eventually grew into one of the largest trusts in the world, the American Tobacco Company.
Within a decade of the end of the war, Duke and other local entrepreneurs, such as Julian S. Carr and Brodie L. Duke (Washington's eldest son) established the Durham tobacco factories and textile mills that fueled the recovery of war-stricken North Carolina. Now renovated into shops, restaurants, and offices, the red brickwork and architectural details of the century-old facilities contribute to Durham's unique sense of place.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Durham, NC  |  Durham County  |  27705  |  North Carolina  |  United States of America

North Carolina
Duke Homestead
Duke University
West Point Truce Line
Royal Ice Cream Sit-In
Bennett Place
Rotary Bandstand
Bennett Place
North Carolina
The Original Chimney of the Bennett House

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.