Rankin Museum, Hamlet Depot featured in ‘Tar Heel Traveler’

ELLERBE — Two local landmarks are included in a recent book of North Carolina attractions.

Both the Rankin Museum of American Heritage in Ellerbe and the Hamlet Depot and Museums are listed among the 201 sites in ‘Tar Heel Traveler’ by award-winning television journalist Scott Mason.

Mason has produced a series of stories with the same name for WRAL-TV since 2007.

The museum is named in honor of the late Dr. Pressley R. Rankin Jr. and was founded based on his collections over his lifetime, according to the museum website.

Rankin moved his practice to Ellerbe from nearby Mount Gilead in 1957 and served the community until he retired in 2001, according to his obituary. The museum was founded in 1984 and Rankin served on the board and participated in daily operations before passing away in 2010.

The Rankin Museum features exhibits of natural and local history, as well as Native American culture. In 2015, space was set aside for an exhibit to honor the late Andre the Giant, who lived his final decade just outside Ellerbe.

Mason describes the peak of the Depot’s roof as “an elegant umbrella,” and gives some history on the site, including the move to its current location.

The entry on the Depot also references the nearby National Railroad Museum and Hall of Fame and the Seaboard Station Restaurant.

The book, published this year by Globe Pequot, features more than 16 dozen places of interest across the Tar Heel State, separated by region and listed in alphabetical order.

In the author’s note, Mason said the book was set up from west to east because people read left to right.

“So many places, so much history and beauty, a wonderful abundance of North Carolina landmarks and attractions — 201 of them!” Mason writes. “Check the tires, fill the tank, charge the electric battery. Let’s do it!”

Richmond County is part of the Central region, which features a variety of locales between Interstates 77 and 95.

“What an incredible honor to have two of Richmond County’s hidden gems featured in ‘Tar Heel Traveler,’’ said Meghann Lambeth, executive director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority.

“The Hamlet Depot & Museums, once the bustling ‘Hub of the Seaboard,’ and the Rankin Museum, with its rich displays of Native American, local, and agricultural history, truly showcase the heritage of our community,” added Lambeth. “These museums are not only educational and fascinating, but they also stand as true points of pride for Richmond County, preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped our region.”

Mechelle Preslar, director of community engagement for the city of Hamlet, said she hopes the Depot’s inclusion in the book will interest people in visiting. However, she did point out a few inaccuracies in the entry, notably the number of trains that pass through the Depot.

In addition to promoting tourism and events across the county, Lambeth also serves on the boards for the Rankin Museum and the Seaboard Festival.

Other featured sites in the region include the John Blue House in Laurinburg, Starworks and Town Creek Indian Mound in Montgomery County, and the Taxidermy Hall of Fame and Creation Museum in Southern Pines.