THERE'S
HISTORY IN THESE HILLS As European settlers pushed west from coastal North Carolina, some settled in
the lush heartland while other hearty souls pushed farther on to find rugged mountains
unlike
any they had seen in western Europe.
Today you can drive anywhere in western North Carolina and the
scenery is dominated by the towering hills that reach up to touch the sky. In this rocky
landscape you will find tangible reminder of how the area's residents lived, with
archaeologists sites in Ashe and Swain Counties uncovering the Native American way of life
from centuries past. Construction of the railroad west linked mountain dwellers with the
reasy of the state. Historic Districts centered around railroad depots in Marion and
Hendersonville demonstrate the importance of the railroad in commerce. The railroad also
brought us to visit and to settle permanently in the high hills of the region. Lavish
hotels were built to cater to guests, and some survive today. Historic districts around
Asheville's Grove Park Inn and the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers show not only how the
tourists lived, but how some mountain families lived and worked nearby. Many of those who
came chose not to leave , constructing mountain homes with panoramic vistas of the
majestic hills of western North Carolina. Through the centuries the solitude, strength and
incredible beauty of these mountains has drawn many like an irresistible magnet and
continues to do so today.
HISTORIC
HENDERSONVILLE
In the
1840s, travelers through western Nother Carolina made their way from town to town in
wagons over dusty mountain roads. The Buncombe Turnpike connected the region and towns
sprang up along the wagon route. Henderson was one such town established on the site of
Judge Mitchell King's summer estate. The county seat of Henderson County saw significant
growth and developement, especially after the arrival of the railroad in 1879. Taking
advantage of a safer, cleaner and faster means of transportation, more people headed west
to experience the North Carolina mountains. Hotels sprang up along Main Strees to
accomodate tourists visiting Hendersonville. In the center of town wooden buildings gave
way to modern brick structures utilizing the Neoclassical and Tapestry style architecture
popular at the time. Summer residents built fine mountain vacation homes. Today, as at the
turn of the 20th century, downtown Hendersonville remains the center of commercial life
for the area. More than 180 businesses now operate in Hendersoville's main Street Historic
District. Here you can shop for antiques, mountain arts and crafts, jewelry, collectibles,
clothing, gifts, toys and games. Or dine at any of 11 different restaurants, cafes and
bakeries in the district. Mountain hospitality is a tradition in Hendersonville dating
back for generations. The welcome mat remains out for 21st century guests.
