The Recreation Commission runs Maxton's recreation program — community events, seasonal celebrations, and the upkeep of the town's recreational grounds.
Maxton sits in western Robeson County, with a sliver reaching into Scotland County. It grew up around the railroad junction and took its name from the many Scottish Macs who settled here — “Mac” town.
The building above is the one on our masthead. Built around 1910 for the Bank of Robeson, its architect designed it to echo New York's Flatiron Building on a wedge-shaped corner lot. The clock was added in 1911 by public subscription. Restored in 1997, it is Maxton's Town Hall today.
Forty-nine buildings in the centre of town form the Maxton Historic District, listed on the National Register since 1999.
Maxton Through the YearsSix moments that shaped the town the Commission serves.
The settlement at the railroad crossing is incorporated under the name Shoe Heel. It is renamed Tilden in 1876 for the presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden, then reverts to Shoe Heel in 1881.
The name settles for good, honouring the Scottish Highland families — the many Macs — who had farmed the sandhills for a century. It is the date the Commission's seal carries.
A wedge-shaped corner building modelled on New York's Flatiron. Its clock arrives the following year, paid for by public donation.
A New Deal resettlement community is established for Lumbee families near Maxton. Photographer Marion Post Wolcott documents it for the Farm Security Administration — the images are on our history page.
In January, hundreds of Lumbee people confront and rout a Ku Klux Klan rally near Maxton. The story carries national coverage and remains among the most significant events in Robeson County's history.
Championed by the Preservation Maxton Foundation, the landmark reopens as Town Hall — the seat of town government ever since.
On 12 February, twenty-one acres and roughly forty-nine contributing buildings join the National Register of Historic Places.
Everything the Commission runs, and every way to get involved.
Community events, seasonal celebrations, and the parks and facilities the town owns.
See programs → 02 — PartnersCounty parks and rec, the YMCA of the Sandhills, and the Boys & Girls Club.
See partners → 03 — The CommissionEight residents, two-year terms, and one seat currently open.
Meet the Commission → 04 — GalleryThe town today, and a century of it before that.
Open the gallery →Serving on the Commission is a two-year appointed term. Helping at an event is one afternoon. Both matter, and we need both.
Get Involved