The Charming Small Town In North Carolina That Was Home To Charlie Daniels Once Upon A Time

Photo byWikimedia/Office of the Governor of Maryland

Charlie Daniels, famous for the hit song "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," was born in Wilmington, North Carolina and spent his teenage years in the small community of Gulf.

His iconic song references Georgia, North Carolina, where Daniels’ musical journey began.

Born in the port city of Wilmington, Daniels moved inland with his family to Gulf, a tiny town located along U.S. 421 between Siler City and Sanford. Here, with a population of just around 150 people, Daniels honed his musical talents, mastering the guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin during his high school years.

GulfPhoto byGoogle Maps

In his five-decade-long career, Daniels achieved national fame, notably with "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," which earned him a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance in 1979.

Although primarily associated with country music, Daniels played across genres and collaborated with artists like Hank Williams Jr. and the Marshall Tucker Band.

Photo byGoogle/Steve Hicks

Gulf still honors its most famous resident today. Visitors can stop by J.R. Moore & Son, a general store established in 1935, where a tribute to Daniels hangs proudly. Nearby, paddlers can explore the Deep River from McIver Landing Canoe Park, further connecting this quiet North Carolina town to its historic charm.

Did you know Daniels was from North Carolina? Would you visit Gulf to experience his roots?