Sam Ragan, Hailed as North Carolina's 'Literary Godfather,' to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

A man who helped cultivate a rich literary tradition and broadened the accessibility of the arts throughout the state, soon will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker. The N.C. Historical Marker Program is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The marker commemorating the life and accomplishments of Sam Ragan will be dedicated Thursday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m., at the Berea Branch Library (1211 US Hwy 158, Berea, N.C.).

Ragan, considered by some to be North Carolina's "literary godfather," played a pivotal role in shaping the state's cultural and journalistic landscape over the course of more than five decades. Born on Dec. 31, 1915, in Granville County, N.C., he developed an early love for poetry and began his literary pursuits while still in grade school. His passion for writing deepened through his education at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in Wilson, N.C., where he decided to pursue a career in journalism.

Ragan's professional journey began with a short stint at the San Antonio Evening News in Texas. However, in 1941, he returned to North Carolina to become the state editor of the Raleigh News and Observer. In 1948, he began writing his iconic column, "Southern Accent," which would go on to become the longest-running newspaper column in the United States, reaching readers in 43 states and 24 countries. In 1968, he purchased The Pilot, a weekly newspaper in Southern Pines, N.C., where he continued to write his column.

He published six poetry collections, two of which were nominated for Pulitzer Prizes. Among his most acclaimed works were "Journey into Morning" and "To the Water's Edge," both celebrated for their lyrical beauty and emotional resonance. He founded the North Carolina Writers' Network and was instrumental in establishing the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame, creating platforms to support and celebrate the state's literary community.

In 1982, Ragan was appointed North Carolina's Poet Laureate, a role he held with honor until he died in 1996.

Ragan's contributions to literature and journalism earned him widespread recognition. He was honored with multiple awards, including the North Carolina Award in Fine Arts, the Roanoke-Chowan Award for Poetry, and the North Caroliniana Society Award. He was inducted into the North Carolina Journalism Hall of Fame and received honorary doctorates from St. Andrews College and UNC-Chapel Hill.

For more information about the historical marker, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2025/09/17/sam-ragan-1915-1996-g-145, or call (919) 814-6625.

The Highway Historical Marker Program is a collaboration between the N.C. departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Transportation.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.

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