BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

Fort Dobbs State Historic Site hosted a ribbon-cutting for the attraction’s new visitor center on Friday afternoon.

The project, which took 10 months to complete, includes a gift shop, offices, restrooms, and a new parking area.

Friends of Fort Dobbs Chairman Ken Robertson welcomed everyone and shared some thoughts on future plans. “Our goal is to support bigger events and bring more tourism,” he said.

During the ceremony, the Friends of Fort Dobbs Board of Trustee members were recognized, along with N.C. Cultural Resources Staff, and GL Wilson Construction Co.

Jack Weaver, new site manager, was also introduced and shared his gratitude for the investment in Fort Dobbs.

“I’m thankful for everyone who’s helped make Fort Dobbs what it is today,” he said. “And I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone who’s supported the site over the years and will continue to support the site in the future.”

Special guests included Iredell County Commissioners Melissa Neader and Gene Houpe, N.C. Reps. Todd Carver and Jeff McNeely, and former state legislators Andrew Brock and Rena Turner.

“The site exemplifies what happens in the past effects today,” Neader said. “There would be no opportunity for this without decisions made before us,” she said. 

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