Question: Who received the first Order of the Longleaf Pine?
Answer: It’s believed the first Order of the Longleaf Pine went to four Spanish dignitaries during the 1960s with whom Gov. Terry Sanford’s representative, R. Walker Martin, met during a goodwill mission to Spain. Gov. Sanford and his press secretary described the dignitaries as “distinguished visitors to our State,” a “very select group of friends of North Carolina,” and “our highest honorary for special friends of North Carolina.” Under successive governors, the award has evolved into one reserved for honoring and recognizing North Carolinians.
