Medoc Mountain State Park preserves a rare geologic remnant in eastern North Carolina: the eroded core of an ancient mountain range, formed by volcanic action about 350 million years ago. Its biotite granite ridge rises sharply from the surrounding low country near the fall line, creating unusually steep slopes for the region. The land also reflects a long human history. In the 19th century Sidney Weller grew grapes here, produced Weller's Halifax wine, and named the height after France's Médoc region. After later agricultural and industrial uses, local citizens pushed for protection, and state land purchases beginning in 1973 established the park.