Many towns in this area have gone through name changes for one reason or another. My town of Robbins, North Carolina is no exception. It is now called Robbins, after the man that owned the textile mill here in the town, but it has had several names over it's storied history.
One of the first names for this town, was Mechanics Hill. It given that name due to the gun manufacturing that took place on Salisbury Street on top of the hill overlooking Bear Creek. During the time of the Revolutionary War, and the years following, it was the home of the Kennedy Rifle factory. Alexander Kennedy served in the Revolutionary War. He brought his rifle manaufacturing to North Carolina from Connecticut to avoid being caught by the British army. He purchased the site in Mechanics Hill from Robert Davis, who was making and repairing guns for the Revolutionary soldiers. Kennedy then built up the plant so that at one point it was one of the largest gun manufacturing facilities in the South, employing upwards of 90 men.
The gun gained in popularity due to it's accuracy. They proved to be an asset to the untrained Revolutionary militia when they were up against a highly trained British army. They could apparently shoot and kill a British soldier at 400 yards.
The rifle was manufactured along the banks of Bear Creek. There not any markers along the creek which would show exactly where the gun factory was located, but there is a plaque on top of the hill tom commemorate where the town of Mechanics Hill was located. If you do get a chance to see a Kennedy Rifle, you are truly seeing a part of our United States history. They are a priceless gem, which is a reflection of our American ingenuity. I do not want to even attempt to put a value on one because they are so rare.
Along Bear Creek is still today a big part of the town of Robbins. There are numerous outdoor events held there each year. For more information regarding the town of Robbins, and it's history, log onto townofrobbins.com.
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