MOUNTY HOLLY, N.C. – Governor Roy Cooper announced $17.9 million in grants to fund 46 local parks and recreation projects across the state through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), including $374,227 for the construction of the Ransom Hunter Park in the City of Mount Holly. Bids are being accepted through September 10.
On April 8, 2024, the Mount Holly City Council voted unanimously to name the park located on Glendale Avenue in honor of Gaston County’s first freed African American to own property, Ransom Hunter.
Ransom Hunter was born into slavery and gained his freedom in his late 30s. Just before the Civil War began in 1861, Hunter’s owner set him free and gave him a plot of land near the Catawba River which he named “Freedom.”
With remarkable determination, Hunter established a successful blacksmith shop, which became the foundation for his growing influence in the region.
Between 1879 and 1900, he accumulated acres of farmland, which he sold to freed African American families, enabling them to build homesteads and thrive. Hunter also played a pivotal role int he development of the area’s first schools, churches and industries by selling land for these essential institutions.
His property remained a hub for community activity well into the 20th century. Ransom Hunter died on September 24, 1918, and is buried under a majestic oak tree in a local cemetery in Mount Holly.
The only surviving photo of Ransom Hunter, photographed at his homestead in Mount Holly, NC.
In 2022, the City of Mounty Holly honored his legacy by forming the Glendale Property Advisory Committee to preserve the historical significance of his contributions.
“The City of Mount Holly is looking forward to partnering with the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Authority to bring the Ransom Hunter Park into fruition,” commented City Manager Jonathan Blanton. “Our governing board identified this capital project as a top priority for the current fiscal year and all of us are excited to make this long-awaited vision a reality. Having the opportunity to pay homage to Mr. Hunters’ legacy is a tremendous honor, and I could not be any prouder to have it happen right here in Mount Holly.”
Local governments applied to PARTF to fund land acquisition, development and renovation of public park and recreation areas. Every year, the Parks and Recreation Authority allocated to municipalities and counties 30% of PARTF’s total funding. This year, the Authority considered 40 grant applications requesting a total of more than $15.1 million. Of those, 22 projects were funded at the full request and one project was awarded partial funding, all totaling over $9.5 million.
“These awards through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and the Accessible Parks Grant will bring tremendous impact to communities across North Carolina by providing more parks, more trails and more accessible recreation,” said Governor Cooper.
Construction on the Ransom Hunter Park is expected to begin early 2025.
