Red Springs

… town in N Robeson County. Alt. 204. Inc. 1896 but settled much earlier. At the site of former Flora MacDonald College there, Vardell Hall, a school for girls, was est. in 1964 and operated for 10 years. The town was named for the color of spring and well water there, which was red because of iron oxides. Known first as Dora but changed to Red Springs in 1885. Formerly a popular health resort. Produces textiles, fertilizer, and lumber products.