In the 1900s, Northwest Stokes started out as a main tobacco growing area in North Carolina. With R.J. Renolds cigarette company a short distance down the road, it was a naturally choice for tobacco growing. Most of the farmers grew tobacco. Over the years, the focus has shifted from tobacco farming to beef cattle. The transition to beef cattle was part of a proader effort to diversity the agricultural economy in the region.

Born during an area wide effort to save Francisco School about 10 years ago. Our Communities Initiative and its 501(c)3 Foundation forged a path to help Francisco and the surrounding communities thrive by producing, supporting, and funding several community projects and events. During the COVID years, we planned for an even more creative approach to community building.