Hoke was formed in 1911 from Cumberland and Robeson Counties. It was named in honor of Robert F. Hoke, a major-general in the Confederate States Army. It lies in the southeastern part of North Carolina, bounded by Cumberland, Harnett, Moore, Robeson, and Scotland counties. Raeford is the county seat.
The battle at Monroe's Crossroads, fought on March 10, 1865, was one of the largest all-cavalry engagements of the American Civil War. Though not a major battle in terms of its effect on the outcome of the war, it is of interest to historians for the role it played in General William T. Sherman's march through the Carolinas.
