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In the mid 1700’s
Scottish Highlanders settled in a community they dubbed Bethesda. They chose
this area because of the availability of large tracts of land, as well as
the proximity to four-principle roads- the PeeDee, the Morganton, the
Yadkin, and the Lumberton.
Malcolm McMillan Blue built a large farmhouse on Bethesda Road
over 170 years ago (in 1825). In 1833 he married Isabella Patterson. (Her
grandfather received a King’s grant for land in 1768 in what is now
Aberdeen) She died less than a year after her marriage to Blue. Later he
remarried Flora Ray and together they raised seven children on their
farmstead. He owned more than 8,000 acres, including the land that the
current day Pinehurst Race Track stands on as well as the western boundary
of Fort Bragg.
The Scottish Presbyterian settlers who had established
themselves in Bethesda renamed it Blue’s Crossing in honor of Blue. He was
very active in the community throughout his life; he served as an Elder in
Bethesda Church for 40 years, Clerk of Sessions for 16 years as well as
donating the land where the current “old” church still stands.
With the introduction of the railroad to the area, it grew
rapidly and by the 1760’s was a flourishing community whose economic
mainstays were lumber, turpentine, industry and commerce.
Currently Aberdeen is experiencing a transformation. Aberdeen’s
Historic District was created and officially dedicated on July 2, 1989.
There are 88 acres housing 100 historic buildings. Take a drive down the
tree-lined streets and witness the buildings constructed in the late 19th
and early 20th centuries, as well as the homes built earlier in
the century that remain unchanged. The towns’ citizens have worked hard to
refurbish and preserve Aberdeen’s Historic District.
In October of 1992, Aberdeen held the First Annual International
Sardine Festival. People gather together at Aberdeen Lake to sample
sardines, moon pies, and RC Cola’s. A Sardine Queen is crowned and reigns
throughout the year.
There are 3578 people residing in Aberdeen. There are many
different ethnicities and nationalities, including Irish, German,
African-American, Latino, and Asian.
Aberdeen is located in the Sandhills of North Carolina and is
bordered by 5 Points Horse Country, Pinehurst Area Golf Courses, and
Southern Pines Resort Area.
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