Before Guilford County's formal establishment in 1771, legions of brave pioneers, such as English Quakers, German Lutherans, and Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, journeyed the Great Wagon Road from points north to find religious freedom and new opportunity within North Carolina's virgin frontier. From the vision and perseverance of these early families flourished the communities of Jamestown, Gibsonville, Pleasant Garden, Stokesdale, Summerfield, and eventually the larger urban centers of Greensboro and High Point.With over 100 black-and-white illustrations and photographs, Guilford County: Heart of the Piedmont traces the fascinating story of one of North Carolina's most historic piedmont counties, from small backcountry settlements to the large industrial complexes scattered across today's landscape. Within this work, readers will experience the dramatic changes to the county traditions and practices as modes of transportation evolve and industry expands to provide new luxuries and new opportunities. Putting a human face on the county's past, this illustrated history recalls memorable county luminaries such as former governor John Motley Morehead, cotton mill magnate Henry Humphries, and Vick's VapoRub entrepreneur Lunsford Richardson Sr. and allows today's generation to see their contributions to Guilford County's culture and commerce over the decades.