Who Was Ransom Hunter?

Ransom Hunter (1825-1918) was a visionary leader who built a community in Gaston County, North Carolina called Freedom in the years following the Civil War.

Ransom Hunter was born into slavery, but he did not allow that circumstance to define who he was or who he could become. As soon as he had his freedom he applied the skills he’d learned in the past to new business opportunities for himself. During a time when the only transporation was by horse, Ransom opened two livery stables – a business that provides reshoeing, sheltering, watering, and feeding of horses for travelers.

He purchased and sold land a recorded 30 times to men like Robert Calvin Grier Love (R.C.G. Love), a prosperous merchant, banker and textile pioneer, General Daniel Harvey Hill (D.H. Hill) and former Mount Holly, NC mayors, W. B. Rutledge and Abel Peterson Rhyne.

In addition to being an entrepreneur and real estate developer, Ransom was a community planner. He conceived of Freedom on land he owned, and built two churches, a school and developed property on which the newly freed could build homes. While creating a safe, supportive community for freedmen, he worked with some of the wealthiest men in the community to buy and sale land that eventually became the city of Mt. Holly.

During a time of heightened emotions, he was able to work with those in his community to accomplish his goals of building wealth for himself and his family, and create a community in which people could live and thrive.

About The Foundation

The Ransom Hunter Foundation memorializes and celebrates Ransom Hunter’s life and perpetuates his legacy through educational programs, resource creation, scholarships and grants, and by honoring those who exemplify the principles that governed his life.

Our Vision

A world in which everyone realizes their hopes, dreams and ambitions.

Our Mission

To share the story of Ransom Hunter and inspire others to achieve success.

What We Do

We Are Looking For Corporate Partnerships

The Ransom Hunter Foundation celebrates the character traits that helped Ransom Hunter succeed during challenging times. Vision. Preparedness. A strong work ethic. Perseverance. A positive success-oriented mindset. And the ability to set and achieve goals. And we’re helping a new generation succeed.

By creating educational programs, mentorships, scholarships for students and grants for entrepreneurs, we hope to encourage and assist the young men and women in our community who are willing to help themselves.

We are looking for businesses and corporations interested in investing in the community in North Carolina to partner with us on our projects and initiatives.

Interested?

Let’s talk.