Imagine youre stepping back into the late 1800s in Laurinburg, North Carolina. As you stroll through this charming Southern town, you come across a quaint structure nestled among the trees and historic buildings - the McNeill Outhouse. This hexagonal brick building is more than just an old outhouse; its a symbol of the areas rich history and the lives of two prominent literary figures.

The McNeill Outhouse was originally constructed to house the Richmond Temperance and Literary Society, a significant social institution during the antebellum period. This society played an essential role in promoting education and moral values among its members, many of whom would go on to become influential figures in their own right.

One such figure is John Charles McNeill - the very man after whom this historic building is named. Born in 1874 at Ellerslie, a farm near Wagram, he grew up to be a poet, journalist, and lawyer. His cousin, Ben Dixon MacNeill, was also an author and journalist. The two of them were born on farms just four miles apart from each other, both with strong Scottish roots.

The McNeill Outhouse stands as a testament to these literary legends lives, showcasing the passion for education, literature, and journalism that drove them throughout their careers. As you wander around this unique structure, allow your imagination to take you back in time, envisioning the conversations held within its walls, the stories shared among friends, and the dreams of a brighter future being discussed by these ambitious individuals.

As you listen to the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze, you cant help but feel connected to this places history and the people who once called it home. The McNeill Outhouse is more than just an old building; its a piece of North Carolinas literary heritage that continues to captivate and inspire visitors today.