More interesting than I expected.
It is here that maybe the oldest mountain in America are located. Now only 1000 feet tall the [link|http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/uwharrie/index.htm|Uwharries] mountains were originally volcanic in origin and about 20,000 feet tall. They are a result of the collision of the Laurentian (North American) and African tectonic plates. Some animations of plate tectonics may be seen [link|http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tectonics.html|here].
Also the first "gold rush" in the US was near here in 1799.
Alex
When fascism comes to America, it'll be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross. -- Sinclair Lewis