Caldwell County in North Carolina is home to some of the most prolific writers and poets in the United States. Many famous authors and poets have lived, visited, or written about this beautiful county over the years. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most famous writers and poets associated with Caldwell County.

1. John Ehle

John Ehle was a well-known novelist, essayist, and screenwriter who spent most of his life in the western part of North Carolina. He wrote several books, including “The Land Breakers,” “The Journey of August King,” and “The Winter People,” all of which are set in the Appalachian Mountains. Ehle was born in Asheville, NC, and later moved to Caldwell County, where he lived until his death in 2018 at the age of 92. [1]

2. Thomas Wolfe

Thomas Wolfe was a novelist, playwright, and short story writer who is best known for his autobiographical works. His most famous novel, “Look Homeward, Angel,” is set in the fictional town of Altamont, which is based on his hometown of Asheville, NC. Wolfe was born in Asheville in 1900 and spent much of his childhood in nearby Caldwell County. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before moving to New York City to pursue his writing career. Wolfe died in 1938 at the age of 37. [1]

3. Lee Smith

Lee Smith is a contemporary novelist and short story writer who was born and raised in Grundy, Virginia but has lived in North Carolina for many years. She has written over a dozen books, including “Fair and Tender Ladies,” “The Last Girls,” and “Dimestore: A Writer’s Life.” Smith’s works often explore the lives of women in the American South. She has won numerous awards for her writing, including the North Carolina Award for Literature. [5]

4. Ron Rash

Ron Rash is a poet, novelist, and short story writer who was born in Chester, SC but has lived in North Carolina for most of his life. He has written several books, including “Serena,” “The Cove,” and “Above the Waterfall.” Rash’s works often explore the lives of rural Southerners and the natural world of the Appalachians. He has won several awards for his writing, including the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award. [1]

5. Robert Morgan

Robert Morgan is a poet, novelist, and essayist who was born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. He has written several books, including “Gap Creek,” “The Road from Gap Creek,” and “Chasing the North Star.” Morgan’s works often explore the lives of rural Southerners and their relationship with the natural world. He has won numerous awards for his writing, including the North Carolina Award for Literature.

6. Fred Chappell

Fred Chappell is a poet, novelist, and essayist who was born in Canton, NC, and raised in nearby Shelby. He has written several books, including “I Am One of You Forever,” “Brighten the Corner Where You Are,” and “Ancestors and Others.” Chappell served as North Carolina’s Poet Laureate from 1997 to 2002 and has won numerous awards for his writing, including the T.S. Eliot Prize. [1]

7. Ron Bayes

Ron Bayes is a poet and playwright who was born in Caldwell County and has lived there most of his life. He has written several collections of poetry, including “The Ghosts of Pisgah,” “The Last Lost Poet,” and “Beneath the Dogwoods.” Bayes has also written several plays, including “The Ballad of Frankie Silver,” which is based on a real-life murder case that took place in Burke County, NC, in 1833. [2]

8. Ruth Moose

Ruth Moose is a short story writer and poet who was born in Salisbury, NC and has lived in Caldwell County for many years. She has written several collections of short stories, including “Dreams of a Different Woman” and “Neighborhood Watch.” Moose has also written two collections of poetry, “The Librarian and Other Poems” and “Making the Bed.” She has won several awards for her writing, including the Malice Domestic St. Martin’s Press Award for Best First Traditional Mystery Novel. [2]

9. Elizabeth Spencer

Elizabeth Spencer is a novelist and short story writer who was born and raised in Mississippi but has lived in North Carolina since the 1980s. She has written several books, including “The Light in the Piazza,” “The Voice at the Back Door,” and “Starting Over.” Spencer’s works often explore the lives of Southerners and their relationships with each other and the natural world. She has won numerous awards for her writing, including the O. Henry Award and the PEN/Malamud Award. [3]

10. Clyde Edgerton

Clyde Edgerton is a novelist, memoirist, and musician who was born in Durham, NC and has lived in Wilmington, NC, for many years. He has written several books, including “Raney,” “Walking Across Egypt,” and “The Bible Salesman.” Edgerton’s works often explore the lives of Southerners and their relationships with each other and the natural world. He has also recorded several albums of country and folk music. [8]

Caldwell County has been home to many famous writers and poets over the years, and their works have helped to shape the literary landscape of North Carolina and the American South. These writers and poets have found inspiration in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Caldwell County, and their works continue to resonate with readers around the world.

In conclusion, Caldwell County has a rich literary history, with many famous writers and poets calling this area of North Carolina home. From Thomas Wolfe and John Ehle to Lee Smith and Ron Rash, these authors have created works that explore the lives of Southerners and their relationship with the natural world. With their unique perspectives and beautiful prose, these writers and poets have made a lasting impact on the literary world and continue to inspire new generations of readers.