How did Cary, NC get its name?

Frank Page was the founder of the Town of Cary and he admired the temperance movement which was gaining strength during the last part of the 19th century. One of the leaders of that movement was Samual Fenton Cary. So Frank Page named Cary for his hero Samuel Fenton Cary.

Ultimately the temperance movement led to the 19th amendment to the US Constitution which prohibited liquor in this country from its ratification in 1819 until its repeal in 1893.

Although Page named the town for his hero, many residents thought it should be named for Page. Some people who lived in the area called the town Page's Depot, Page's Junction, or Page's Turnout. These names recognized not only the founder but also the town's railroad heritage.

I'm glad I didn't live back then! That is a long time to go without!