My family lived in Fayetteville, in the area that was called Cross Creek. Today it's not far from the old cemetery, near Ann & Lamon(sp?) street. There is an old unpaved road called Barge's Lane. My Barge ancestors once lived there. The African American ones purchased land from the white ones. Although there is talk of blood connections, no one knows when or how far back it went.

That area doesn't look too great these days, but whenever I visit Fayetteville, I still stop by. I've even gathered up some of the dirt and put it in little acrylic boxes to give to relatives so that they have a piece of our "homeland."

You are so fortunate to have the resources that you have in Fayetteville. I visited the library there a several times and found some of the information that I needed. The staff was very friendly and helpful -- even on a Sunday!

I too am glad to have met you here. Perhaps when I next visit Fayetteville we can meet and share research notes.