In the shadow of the mountains and alongside the Yadkin River is the town of Wilkesboro, North Carolina. With a population of less than 4,000 people, the town has a unique history dating back to the early days of America. There’s a tree known as the “Tory Oak” where a local patriot hung a British loyalist during the Revolutionary War. Folk song legend Tom Dula, also known as Dooley, was jailed here and later sentenced for the murder of his fiancee. The town also has its own moonshine distillery and is home to MerleFest, a music festival started by Doc Watson in honor of his son, which is held annually at the local college.
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