Our Story

We have the honor of being recognized as the oldest continually-run, family-owned & -operated retail business in all of North Carolina!

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Established in 1831 by founder Benjamin Washburn, Washburn’s General Store has been handed down through five generations of community-oriented entrepreneurs. It is now run by Ann Washburn Hutchins, its first proud woman owner.

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Once a tavern, inn and mercantile store that served stagecoaches, the store remains a beloved stop for travelers with a hankering for the good ol’ days.

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In 2002, The National Department of the Interior inducted the General Store and a dozen other community buildings as a National Register Historic District.

 

Step through our doors and into a little corner of American history.

Stay a spell, sip on a glass bottle of Coca-Cola and dig into a classic hoop cheese sandwich as you catch up on local gossip and discover tools and toys needed for your home and the kids in your life. Our locally-made, hard-to-find products and friendly service will remind you of yesteryear. Keep America’s true spirit flowing by dropping by now and again!

 

Take a gander at our some of our products here

Call us during business hours with any questions you may have, 828-245-4129

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