Hugh Talmage Lefler

Hugh Talmage Lefler (1901 – 1981) was a historian known for his work on the history of North Carolina.

He was born in Cooleemee, North Carolina, and grew up on a farm in Davie County.

He taught at the University of North Carolina for many years and authored a number of books. His book ''The Growth of North Carolina'' was used as the standard state history textbook in North Carolina public schools. His book ''North Carolina, History of a Southern State'' was the leading text on the subject. Author Sam Ragan, writing in the ''North Carolina Historical Review'', wrote that Lefler "made history come alive in the classroom and in his books." He held historical views that are typical of the Lost Cause, such as the highly questionable at best view that the American Civil War was not necessarily fought over slavery, writing that "... there were other reasons for the [Civil] war than the question of slavery extension."

A historical marker commemorating him and his work is located a mile from his former home. The University of North Carolina has a collection of his papers. Provided by Wikipedia