The History of Whetstones in North America found in a nineteenth century report on Arkansas Novaculite stone (thanks JCitron for posting the link to that report) mentions quite a few states in the U.S. that at one time or another had active whetstone mines.

Here is a quote from that report which talks about where are at that time, specific locations near Chapel Hill, NC. Does anyone who lives there know of the area referenced? Chances are their are probably houses on or near the site now making for hone hounding unrealistic, but who knows:

"The most valuable bed is about seven miles west of Chapel Hill, at M'Cauley's quarry. It is on the summit of a hill, one of a northeast and southwest range composed of chloritic slate. The honestone occurs in distinct perpendicular beds. In color it is a soft olive green, looks like horn, and on thin edges is transparent. It acquires smoothness and hardness with use and is best adapted to carpenters' needs, though sometimes employed as a razor-hone. M'Pherson's quarry in Chatham county, five miles west of Woodin's ferry on Haw River, is next in importance. The stone is lighter colored, softer and has a finer grit, probably fine enough for razors.

I like the sound of all that. Can anyone familiar with that area shed any info on this?

Thanks.

Chris L