A HISTORY OF SERVICE

Rex McCarty has always had a long-term interest and participation, often behind the scenes, in projects critical to our region. Rex has a passion for our heritage and history that he includes in new projects that will define a future for the area. His activities have added to the betterment of communities, making our region a better place for families.

Gate City Technology Zone

Rex has been key to the model development of the Gate City Technology Zone. The intention of the concept is to foster the growth of technology based business by providing an entrepreneur friendly environment. Businesses locating in the zone are not only eligible for tax credits, they also benefit from pooled resources, resulting in lower operating costs such as utilities.

Allies For Tobacco Rally

Rex joined Paul Repass and Senator Warner, as well as many other tobacco farmers, in protesting the FDA's involvement in tobacco production in the early 1990s. The tobacco buyout was also a growing concern at that time, and this group of tobacco farmers formed Allies for Tobacco to establish a voice for Southwest Virginia tobacco farmers. Rex collaborated with others in planning the Allies for Tobacco Rally that informed the public and gained exposure concerning the plight of the tobacco farmer.

Restoration of A.P. Carter's Cabin

Volunteering for months, Rex was an integral part in moving A.P. Carter's cabin to the Carter Family Fold. The cabin has been moved from its secluded and inaccessible original location in Little Valley to a spot virtually only a few steps from the Carter Fold building and the Carter Family Museum. In order to remain on the historic registers, the restoration consisted of a costly and time-consuming procedure involving professional preservationists, archeologists, as well as craftsmen, carpenters, and historians. Under the direction of Rex, the cabin had to be taken apart meticulously log by log, stone by stone, moved, restored and in the case of some items replaced, and then rebuilt.

Founder of The Homeplace Mountain Farm & Museum

The Homeplace Mountain Farm and Museum comprises 14 original log structures from the late 1770s on a 15-acre farm, which was once part of Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Trail. History buffs will remember that Boone blazed the Wilderness Trail in the 1790s to lead thousands of families and explorers to America’s western territories for cheap land and new opportunities.

Thousands of school children have visited The Homeplace, which brings to life the chores and challenges of surviving rugged mountain living with quilting, blacksmithing, weaving, pottery and broom-making demonstrations. These children don't soon forget Rex's storytelling or historical lessons who's goal is to focus on the best of our Region's history and preserve the mountain culture.

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