Cumberland County
… was formed in 1754 from Bladen County. Located in the SE section of the state, it is bounded by Sampson, Bladen, Robeson, Hoke, Harnett, and Moore Counties. It was named for William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-65), second son of George II, who was commander of English troops at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 in which Scottish Highlanders were defeated. His extreme severity earned him the nickname of "The Butcher." It is ironic that the county named for him should have been settled by Scottish Highlanders. Area: 662 sq. mi. County seat: Fayetteville, with an elevation of 107 ft. Townships are Beaver Dam, Black River, Carvers Creek, Cedar Creek, Cross Creek, Eastover, Grays Creek, Manchester, Pearces Mill, Rockfish, and Seventy-First. Produces tobacco, corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, cotton, poultry, bakery products, textiles, dairy products, machinery, and lumber. See also Fayette County; Choffington.
