Oak Ridge History

In 1926, Thomas Early Whitaker described the setting of his beloved Oak Ridge Institute (now Oak Ridge Military Academy) as “in the hill country of northwest Guilford, 1,040 feet above sea level; noted for its healthfulness; accessible to the cities of Piedmont North Carolina; ... a rural community of law-abiding, progressive citizens.”

More than 100 years ago, J.A. Holt, then principal at the Institute, said Oak Ridge was "finely wooded and well watered with the finest of freestone water, and commanding an extensive view of mountain ranges and foothills. The Blue Ridge, the Pilot, Sauratown, Moore's Knob, the Pinnacles of Dan, all loom up ... within a range of fifty miles. The fine oak groves and natural shaded lawns make it an ideal place for a residence.”

With affectionate pride, he concluded: “It has been called ‘God's Country.’”

Published in 2025, Historic Oak Ridge, Celebrating the History and Architecture of Oak Ridge, North Carolina, by Oak Ridge native Sandra Brown Smith, captures the Town's beloved historical landmarks that still stand proudly today as well as those which were lost to time. Each page contains vivid storytelling and rare photographs that takes you back in time to a forgotten era. It is like a personal guided tour through Oak Ridge dating back to the 1700s.

For more information on the book, click here

Historic Oak Ridge brochure click here.