General Assembly Honors Hugh Morton

Last week, the General Assembly said goodbye to the late Hugh Morton, calling the photographer and environmental champion a true public servant committed to the interests of North Carolina and retaining the state’s beauty. Lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution honoring Morton, who died from cancer on June 1 at age 85. Morton’s camera lens captured North Carolina history and its scenery for more than a half century, especially Grandfather Mountain, which he turned into a leading tourist attraction, symbolized by its most famous resident, Mildred the Bear. Under his leadership, Morton helped bring the battleship USS North Carolina to Wilmington, helped protect the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and prevented the Blue Ridge Parkway from going over the mountain he owned. The parkway ultimately went around the mountain thanks to construction of the now-famous Linn Cove Viaduct. Mr. Morton’s widow, Julia, is a native of Greensboro and his daughter, Judy, resides here now.