WHS students bring Junaluska's history to life with BRAHM exhibit - published March 31, 2026

Story Written by: Lorelei Roberts

BLOWING ROCK — What started as a typical history project on Junaluska for Watauga High School students turned into their own exhibit at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum.

Watauga High School Advanced Placement U.S. History students were assigned to research the history of Junaluska. Students researched people, locations, and organizations using primary and secondary sources, which first created a digital tour with history and then turned into an exhibit at BRAHM.

The exhibit was on display at the Alexander Community Gallery from March 8 to March 28.

Junaluska is a tight-knit African-American mountain community with roots dating to the 1700s. What is now Junaluska Road was its own town with a school, churches, and community restaurants like The Chocolate Bar.

“Even though it’s a small community, it’s a really important part of our history and our heritage here,” said Watauga High School AP U.S. History teacher Jamie Wilson.

Wilson started teaching AP U.S. History approximately 16 years ago when Alana Patterson, a student of Wilson’s, did her final project as a documentary on Junaluska. Wilson said this was the first time she heard about the community.

“This history is so important and is not as well known as I feel like it should be,” Wilson said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson wanted something for the history club to do and heard about Black In Appalachia, an organization that transcribes census records and historical documents about African Americans in Appalachia.