History of Fuquay-Varina

In order to set the context for this document, a brief town history is presented, based on information gathered from the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory and an interview with a member of the Fuquay-Varina Historical Society.

The name Fuquay-Varina has only existed for forty years. Before 1963, the two towns of Fuquay Springs and Varina operated independently. Although their names are distinct, their individual histories are closely intertwined. The land now known as Fuquay-Varina was originally inhabited by Sippihaw Indians, and Sippihaw (meaning "good will") was its name until European settlers arrived, claimed property, and discovered the natural resource that prompted its new name.

Fuquay Springs received its name from a farmer named Stephen Fuquay, great-grandson of settler William Fuquay, who discovered a mineral spring while plowing his fields in 1858. This spring eventually attracted attention from people living in other parts of North Carolina, for it began to develop a reputation for its healing properties.

Meanwhile, Varina was affectionately named by a Confederate soldier in honor of the pen name used by his sweetheart in their wartime correspondence. Initially, this name was applied to the first post office, but later the Varina Mercantile Company was formed. In time, a community developed around this store and adopted the name Varina as its own.

Over the years, these two towns grew by commercializing the popularity of the mineral springs and capitalizing on the profits associated with the tobacco industry. In 1963, the two merged into one town; at present day, industrial growth contrasts with a sense of the "small town feel," as one community member put it. The expansion of Fuquay-Varina and the associated implications of such growth are detailed later in this document.

One of the most notable transformations in the community involves the evolving ethnic diversity. For a long period of time, community members recall only "black and white people" living and working in the town. In the past fifteen years, however, the presence of Latinos in Fuquay-Varina has increased dramatically. In response to this demographic change, some community members believe that the Latinos have become a "good influence and are very much a part of the community." Others see the language barrier as a "huge stumbling block," preventing optimal interaction among races in the community. Still others have perceptions of the Latino community that may inhibit positive exchange, even when language is not a barrier. These issues are discussed further in the Language and Culture section of this document.

Introduction

Secondary Data