Gaston Library to host presentation about Caroline Shipp, here's three things to know

Those who have lived in Gaston County for any extended amount of time have probably heard the story of Caroline Shipp.

Shipp was the last person to be legally hanged in the county after being accused and convicted of murdering her infant son.

While many myths and ghost stories related to Shipp’s execution have been spun over the years, historians have tried to stick to the facts.

From 11 a.m. to noon on May 11, the Gaston County Library will host a free public event at the library’s main branch on East Garrison Boulevard with local historians to dive into the facts of Shipp’s story.

Here are three facts about the case of Caroline Shipp ahead of this month’s event.

1. The basics

Caroline Shipp was publicly executed on Jan. 22, 1892.

Shipp was between 18-21 years old at the time, according to past interviews with Jason Luker, the former Assistant Director of the Gaston County Museum.

2. Accusations

Shipp was accused of murdering her infant child, which she denied even in her final moments.

Shipp said her boyfriend Mack Farrar killed her child.

3. Facts and fiction

Over the years, rumors and ghost stories involving Shipp have circulated Gaston County.

While there may not be merit to many of those rumors, the facts surrounding the case were well documented at the time with news articles in papers from The Gastonia Gazette to the Atlanta Journal.

Visitors can get the facts straight at the library’s event, which will feature Michael Baxter, a Belmont Abbey College professor of history.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston Library to host presentation about Caroline Shipp