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Ronda, North Carolina, is a peaceful community located along the Yadkin River in eastern Wilkes County. The area's earliest inhabitants were Native American tribes—most notably the Siouan-speaking Saura—who hunted and farmed the fertile riverbanks long before European settlers arrived. In the 1740s and 1750s, the Yadkin Valley became one of the first inland regions of North Carolina to be settled by Europeans, particularly German, Scots-Irish, and English immigrants traveling down the Great Wagon Road from Pennsylvania and Virginia. These settlers were drawn to the region's fertile soil, abundant game, and proximity to waterways that supported milling and trade.

The name "Ronda" likely derives from the estate of Benjamin Franklin Fields, a local landowner in the 19th century who named his property after the Spanish city of Ronda. The town grew around this estate and the Yadkin River's natural resources, which made it a prime location for agriculture and small industry. Early settlers raised corn, wheat, and tobacco, while others engaged in lumbering and the operation of gristmills powered by the Yadkin's current. The community remained largely rural but was well-connected through trade with nearby Elkin, which served as a regional commercial hub.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant development to Ronda with the expansion of the Elkin and Alleghany Railroad. The arrival of the railroad opened markets for agricultural goods and timber, transforming Ronda into a stopover point for local farmers and merchants. Schools, general stores, and churches began to define the town's civic and social life. The nearby Yadkin Valley's natural beauty and rolling vineyards also laid the groundwork for what would later become one of North Carolina's most celebrated wine-producing regions.

Ronda's most famous resident was the legendary NASCAR driver and mechanic Junior Johnson, who was born and raised on a nearby farm. Johnson, often called "The Last American Hero," became a symbol of the region's gritty determination and deep connection to automotive culture, which originated from the moonshine trade of the early 20th century. His legacy continues to influence the area, with local stories and landmarks honoring his contributions to both racing and Wilkes County's heritage.

Today, Ronda is a small but thriving community that embraces its agricultural past while welcoming new growth tied to tourism, wine production, and rural living. The town sits at the heart of the Yadkin Valley Wine Appellation, home to several renowned vineyards and wineries that attract visitors year-round. The surrounding landscape offers a blend of farmland, wooded hills, and river scenery that defines the tranquil pace of life here. Residents appreciate the balance between small-town friendliness and access to larger nearby communities like Elkin and North Wilkesboro. Modern Ronda remains proud of its history, its connection to the Yadkin River, and its enduring role as a gateway to one of North Carolina's most picturesque regions.