Director

John's River offers whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling. The area from Route 1328 to Route 1438, about 6.5 miles long, has been designated by American Whitewater to be a class I-II section. Camping can be found nearby. Temperatures typically run in the 70s. Once the sun dips it can drop to the 50s. In the winter, daylight highs are in the 40s, by nightfall they can be in the 10s.

John's River

Across the Grain is a large earthen sculpture located in Downtown Lenoir, NC. The massive circular public art piece was constructed and erected in 2012; it maintains a 26-foot diameter and weighs a total of 40,000 pounds.[1] Artist Thomas Sayre designed the sculpture to resemble a circular hole saw, pointing back to the role that industrialization played in the furniture industry of Caldwell County.[2] It is also meant to reflect the importance that various industrial advancements have played in the county’s history, such as water wheels, turbines, and sawmills.[3] The term “Across the Grain” is taken from the logging industry; by cutting “across the grain”, one is trying something different, standing out, “making a commitment”.[4] Sayre has commented, “The act of bringing this sculpture to Lenoir is going across the grain, and I get the sense there is something unique here.”[5] As a child, the intricate stonecutting of the Washington National Cathedral inspired Sayre to pursue sculpting with natural materials.[6] Sayre and a team of local contractors constructed the sculpture using an earthcasting technique, wherein a mold was created within the earth, concrete was poured in said mold, and finally the hardened material was pulled up from the ground to form the finished product.[7] He has planned and constructed public art projects all around the world; he has also “been part of the design team for civic, educational, and museum buildings.”[8] Sayre has noted that there were three chief reasons why he wanted to construct Across the Grain in Lenoir, NC, “First, it was the landscape itself because I lived nearby for ten years. Second, it was the unusual history of sculpture in this community. And thirdly, I’ve come to have enormous respect for the leadership in this town. For a town this size to elect to raise the money to do a large, prominent and contemporary sculpture in its downtown on city land is unusual. There are communities I have worked with who claim more sophistication who can’t even get out of the starting blocks. I find this inspiring.”[9][1] "Across the Grain Project Overview," Www.caldwellartscouncil.com, accessed March 21, 2019, https://www.caldwellarts.com/uploads/file/ACROSS THE GRAIN-Website page(1).pdf, 2.[2] Ibid, 1.[3] "Z-Sculpture Collection - Across the Grain - About the Name," Caldwell Arts Council, accessed April 02, 2019, https://www.caldwellarts.com/195-about-the-name/.[4] Ibid.[5] Ibid.[6] "Across the Grain Project Overview," Www.caldwellartscouncil.com, accessed March 21, 2019, https://www.caldwellarts.com/uploads/file/ACROSS THE GRAIN-Website page(1).pdf, 1.[7] "Z-Sculpture Collection - Across The Grain Project Overview," Caldwell Arts Council, accessed April 02, 2019, https://www.caldwellarts.com/188-across-the-grain/.[8] "Across the Grain Project Overview," Www.caldwellartscouncil.com, accessed March 21, 2019, https://www.caldwellarts.com/uploads/file/ACROSS THE GRAIN-Website page(1).pdf, 1.[9] "Z-Sculpture Collection - Across The Grain - Why Lenoir?," Caldwell Arts Council, accessed April 02, 2019, https://www.caldwellarts.com/196-why-lenoir/.

Lenoir, NC is home to a large circular, earthcast sculpture with a 26-foot diameter and a weight of 40,000 pounds. World renowned artist Thomas Sayre worked alongside local contractors to construct and erect this piece of art as a testimony to Caldwell County’s history. The piece is meant to resemble the water wheels, turbines, and sawmills that put the industrial advancements of Caldwell County on the map.

The Granite Falls Transportation Museum is located in the former home of Andrew Baird, built sometime in the 1790s. Baird was one of the town's original founders. Awarded an NC Department of Transportation Enhancement Grant, it was used to conduct historic restoration, build sidewalks and bike paths, and to obtain transportation related items. The grand opening was 18 January 2007. Along with transportation related items, the town's history is also represented through a variety of displays. Normal hours are Sundays (except holidays) from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Other times are by appointment. Location: 107 Falls Avenue, Granite Falls, NC 28630Phone: 828-396-2792.Website: http://www.granitefallshistorymuseum.org/Town of Granite Falls website: https://www.granitefallsnc.com/museumFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/granitefallsmuseum

Granite Falls Transporation Museum

Located at 56 Pinewood Rd, Granite Falls, NC, the William B. Shuford Recreation Center is the hub for many residents and visitors. It sits on about 19.3 acres and was constructed about 1967. The main facility has about 16,700 square feet. One will find a gym that is newly renovated, office spaces, and multi-purpose rooms. During the summer, one can hang out at the 225,000 gallon swimming pool, which opened in 1971. It was renovated in 2015 that included zero entry and water features. The site has four newly renovated tennis couts and three multi-purpose playing fields. An ADA accessible playground and bagtoss boards were installed next to an already existing children's playground. One can find social hall rentals, fitness rooms for men and women, picnic shelters, a Veterans Monument, walking track, and adult fitness equipment at various places along the walking track.Community sports of various sorts are offered for children to participate, such as baseball, T-ball, basketball, soccer, and football. Swim meets are also held here. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, &amp; Thursday9:00 am - 9:00 pmWednesday &amp; Friday9:00 am - 5:00 pmSaturday9:00 am - 2:00 pmClosed SundayRecreation Center Office828.396.1221Seasonal Pool Office828.396.7946

William B. Shuford Recreation Center

The Mitford Museum is found at 145 Cedar Valley Road. It tells the story of Jan Karon, author of the Mitford novels. Jan grew up in the town of Hudson, NC, and attended school ithrough the seventh grade where the museum is located. Learn how her elementary teachers took her under their wings to encourage her love of learning and writing that continues today. The museum also has a giftshop with Mitford collectables and items. ADMISSION: Adults $10; Seniors $9; Students $7; Children 12 and under free with adult admission; Groups of 10 or more admitted for $7/pp.

Mitford Museum

The park contains a renovated depot that was built around the turn of the 20th century and was used as a train station up until the 1970s.The museum is located right behind the town's offices at the Windmill Park. It houses artifacts from local schools, businesses, the railroad, and community people. A restored 1913 caboose from the Delaware and Hudson Line (New York) provides a glimpse into what life on a train might have looked like. For more information, please call the Hudson Town Hall at 828-728-8272.

Windmill Park and Hudson Railroad Depot Museum

Caldwell Chamber of Commerce leads in promoting Caldwell County as a tourism destination. It also provides members with ways to connect, grow and foster success. It seeks to provide a collaborative environment that advocates for members, communities, and educational institutions.Stopping by the Chamber is a great way to learn about Caldwell County, its resources, communities, and opportunites.

Caldwell Chamber of Commerce

Visit Lenoir anytime between Thanksgiving Night and the last day of Epiphany, one will see what has long been tradition in Caldwell County - the star on Hibriten Mountain. The first day of Lent through Easter Monday, a cross adorns the top of this special mountain. Almost 70 years old, the star and cross were built in 1954 and is maintained by the local Moose Lodge. During Hurricane Hugo, the structures were damaged but with donations of time, money and resources, those were repaired. The tradition continued as many looked to that star as a sign of hope and of the season. Parking is found at the end of Hibriten Mountain Road, where one will then hike - or run if one is so inclined - about a mile to the top. The views from the top are incredible, especially just before sundown when the light is golden, and local lights begin twinkling on. Part of the Brushy Mountain range, it was first known as Turkey Cock because of the large number of turkesy found there. Legend says that during the Civil War, men hid in a cave to avoid capture by Yankees. It's name was changed in 1875 when Emma Baker, and English school teacher, said it reminded her of her home in Brighton, England. A pavillion was constructed during the early 1900s. Many a folk dance was held there. Girls from Davenport College climbed the mountain and most likely attended those dances. Documentation is found at Caldwell Heritage Museum's Davenport College files about the girls hiking the mountain and are shown around the pavillion. A fire tower was constructed in 1927. Hibriten High School was built not far from the base of the mountain.

Hibriten Mountain

The City of Lenoir Greenway provides more than nine miles of trails and paths for running, walking, biking - both mountain and cycling. These include the T. H. Broyhill Walking Park and the greenway on Morganton Boulevard. The Zack's Fork Bike Trail along provides nearly three miles of off-road trails for mountain biking. Parking can be found at:710 Powell Road, Lenoir415 Pennell Street NE (Greenway Methodist Church)120 Hospital Avenue (Caldwell County Public Library - upper lot

Lenoir Greenway

Davenport College was established in 1855 as a woman’s college under the Presbyterian denomination. It was erected on land given by W. A. Lenoir and James C. Harper, and was named for William Davenport, who contributed the most funds to build the school. In 1857, it was placed under the South Carolina Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was chartered by them in 1859.When it first opened, the school had fifty-six students and consisted of a classroom building, a chapel, and a dormitory. The main building was impressive. It was two and a half stories high and made of brick. There were columns at the entrance and an observatory in the loft. The institution held learning in high esteem. In 1861, they stated their aim as “Pupils will not be hurried through a superficial course of study, but such as a systematized plan pursued, as is well calculated to lead to gradual and complete development of all the powers of the mind.”1During the Civil War, the school remained open, though attendance dropped. At the close of the Civil War, classes were suspended. At that time, General Stoneman came through Lenoir on his raid through western North Carolina. His army took possession of the campus. Though the building remained standing, much property such as books, musical instruments, and furniture was defaced or destroyed. Across the street, Saint James Episcopal Church was used as a hospital and prison by General Stoneman.Following the Civil War, classes resumed. However, in 1877, disaster struck. That February, a fire destroyed Davenport Female College. There was no insurance to cover the loss, yet, the very next day, a decision was made to rebuild the school. The new building was finished by 1884; however, the school was no longer supported by the Methodist conference. It functioned as a private high school for a few years before becoming a college again. In 1899, the Methodist conference again supported it. Shortly after this time, the school added more buildings and modern equipment. This helped increase enrollment.The Great Depression, however, took a toll on the college, and in 1933, Davenport College closed. A decision was made in this year by the Western North Carolina Conference of the Methodist Church to merge Davenport College with Greensboro College. The buildings and property were transferred to Lenoir City Schools. The two buildings were used as a junior high school.In 1986, one building remained. This building was erected in 1926 and once housed the auditorium and music rooms of the college. The building was scheduled for demolition. However, the Caldwell County Historical Society acquired it. The society restored the building and transformed it into a museum. Today, the museum functions to preserve and teach the history of Caldwell County, North Carolina. Beside the museum sits Davenport Elementary School. Its name is a remnant of the college that once stood there to provide education for young women and men of Lenoir.<ol><li>Quoted in John O. Hawkins, “Echoes from the Hill: A Brief History of Davenport College,” Davenport A+ Elementary, Accessed 13 April 2022, https://www.caldwellschools.com/Page/11296. Primary source was not named in the essay.</li></ol>

The building that now houses the Caldwell Heritage Museum is the last remaining building of Davenport College. The institution allowed for the education of young woman, and later young men, in Lenoir from 1855 until its merge with Greensboro College in 1933. Sitting atop a hill overlooking Lenoir and now neighboring Davenport Elementary School, the brick building that remains is one of three that were built after a fire destroyed the first school buildings 1877. In 1933, the buildings were transferred to the ownership of the Lenoir City School system. Two of the three buildings were demolished, and the third was obtained by the Caldwell County Historical Society. It opened as a museum in 1991 and remains so today.

Davenport College

Raiders under Gen. Alvan C. Gillem, occupied Lenoir over Easter weekend, April 15-17, 1865. They filled the grounds and sanctuary of Saint James Episcopal Church, which served as a hospital as well as a prison.Union General George Stoneman led about 6,000 cavalrymen from Tennessee into southwestern Virginia and western North Carolina, intent on disrupting Confederate supply lines by destroying sections of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, the NC Railroad, and the Piedmont Railroad. He was in Boone on 28 March, Virginia on 2 April, and back to NC about a week later. He raid ended when Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston surrendeder to General William Sherman.St. James Episcopal in 1865 was used as a prison for several days when Stoneman and others under General Alvan C.Gillem occupied Lenoir over Easter weekend 15 - 17 April 1865. There were about 900 prisoners who were old men, boys, and Confederate soldiers captured while they recoveredf at home from wounds and illnesses. The grounds were a hospital and prison. While some looting and damage occured in town, and at Davenport College a block over, most only had a scar. Joseph Norwood, local resident, said that the soldiers were not allowed to plunder to any great degeree or commit acts of violence. On 17 April, part of Stoenman's forces rode toward Morganton while Stoneman, the prisoners, and a guard left tor Blowing Rock. Read the marker for further details and information.

Raiders in Lenoir - St. James Episcopal Church and Prison - Marker

Lenoir became the county seat of Caldwell County in 1841 when it was created from Burke and Wilkes counties. The first courthouse was built two years later. The present courthouse, as noted above, was erected in 1905. It was funded in part by $25,000 bonds issued by the county. The courthouse is also notable for being the first one in the county to be lighted by electricity. The architecture firm Wheeler and Runge was well-known in the state and it designed many other public buildings throughout North Carolina. In 1928, the courthouse was remodeled and modernized, and a new jail was also built.

Caldwell County Courthouse has served as the seat of county government since its construction in 1905. Designed by Charlotte-based firm Wheeler and Runge in the Classical Revival style, interesting features of the building include Doric pilasters, a highly decorative Doric frieze, and a main entrance surrounded by torch-like Classical lamps. The building's understated Classical appearance reflects the transition in architecture at the time from elaborate to more abstract and functional design. The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Caldwell County Courthouse

Located beside the Caldwell County Courthouse, on the square, The Charters of Freedom provide an opportunity for citizens to view replicas of our nation's most important documents - The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The settings include bronze replicaas of these precious documents. Community and elected officials dedicated the site on 3 July 2019. The project was led and funded by Foundation Forward, Inc. and completed with help from Caldwell County Public Schools and the City of Lenoir Works Department. This setting was the first to be constructed and bricked by the high school masonry classes at Hibriten, South Caldwell and West Caldwell High Schools. For more information about the Charters of Freedom, please click on this link: https://www.chartersoffreedom.com/

Charters of Freedom 

Located at the corner of Harper and Church Street, downtown Lenoir, one finds an unusual piece of artwork in a circular "sawblade" shape. This sculpture was created by Thomas Sayre and commissioned by the Caldwell Arts Council. This concrete circular form with jagged, toothy edges rises about 26 feet above ground. One can see water wheels, saw mills, and furniture factories in this structure, referencing back to an industry that provided an economic base for the county for many years. The structure is made of concrete and steel with iron oxide cast in molds dug from earth that gives it that reddish, earthy tone.

Across the Grain

Known by locals as the "walking park," the T. H. Broyhill Walking Park covers about 20 acres, provides a paved walking trail, a lake, the Joe T. Ingram Nature Sanctuary, gardens, an observation deck, and pavillion. Hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. The gates are locked at 9:00 p.m.

T. H. Broyhill Walking Park

The City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation Department seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents while providing safe and enjoyable opportunities for all citizens.The facility covers about 27 acres and includes indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. Some of those include: baseball / softall fields; basketball courts (in and outdoors); a gyn; playground; pickleball courts (in and outdoors); picnic shelters; skate park; tee-ball fields; and tennis courts. Hours are: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed. Playgrounds are open dawn to dusk. Skate Park: open dawn to dusk.

Mulberry Recreation Center

City of Lenoir parks are open from dawn to dusk. They are officially closed when park lights are turned off or after dusk when they become dark. It is unlawful for anyone to be on the premisis after facilties close. Nor is it lawful for vehicles to be parked or left onsite after closing. This link will take you to the site available under the City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation directorship. https://www.cityoflenoir.com/265/Parks-Recreation-Centers

Lenoir Parks and Recreation Centers

Currently under construction. An opening is tentatively scheduled for May 2024.For more information:Phone: 828-754-1991E-mail: townofgamewell@bellsouth.net

Gamewell Museum

"Talking trees". A one room schoolhouse. Hiking. Educational exhibits; Picnic areas; Lingle School. Forestry Center. Kids Fish for Fun Day. A great place to stop and relax.Tuttle Educational State Forest offers a vast array of pines and hardwoods, clear streams, and beautiful terrain on which to explore. Trails are well marked, exhibits and displays explain the ecology of the area, and staff are available to do classes, talk to visitors, and share about this wonderful testimony to Caldwell's resources. Miss Leila Judson Tuttle, who also attended Davenport College in Lenoir, deeded 160 acres to the Tuttle Forest Foundation in 1956. Her vision required that the land be used for educational and recreational purposes while remaining a natural forest. In 1973 the Foundation leased the land to the NC Forest Service for use as a small State Forest. Development began in the fall of 1975, completed by the summer of 1977, and the forest opened to the public at that time. It's name changed in 1986 to Tuttle Educational State Forest to reflect Miss Tuttle's purpose.Over the years, since 1997 more land was purchased, bringing the total to about 362 acres. Keeping with Miss Tuttle's vision, residents of North Carolina have a readily accessible living, outdoor classroom where all ages can enjoy and learn. Rangers also work closely with educators in social studies and science curriculum standards. Tuttle State Educational Forest is open to the public and all programs are free of charge.Hours of Operation are: 1 March - 31 October: Tuesday - Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Saturday &amp; Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.1 November - end of February: Tuesday - Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Saturday &amp; Sunday - ClosedClosed for desginated NC state holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Veterans Day - Thanksgiving - Christmas - New Year's

Tuttle Educational State Forest

Congress designated the Wilson Creek area as a National Wild and Scenic River on 18 August 2000 as a result of years of support from local governments and environmental groups. The trailhead includes National Forest lands between the Upper Creek drainage, the Blue Ridge Parkway, US Hwy 321, and the Piedmont. Grandfather Mountain is also the headwaters for this beautiful body of water. Ridges of more than 4,000 feet hight, one finds whitewater rapids, trails leading to beautiful waterfalls, hiking, scenic viewing, mountain biking, fishing, camping, horseback riding and backpacking. A visitors center opened in October 2002 on Brown Mountain Beach Road.

Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River

The Chapel of Rest overlooks the Yadkin River in Happy Valley,&nbsp;in the foothills of western North Carolina.
	A gift from Samuel&nbsp;Legerwood Patterson, the Chapel was built in 1887,&nbsp;and originally served as the chapel for the Patterson School for Boys. Patterson was the first elected NC Agricultural Commissioner, as well as a state representative and senator; his mission was to better our land, resources and community, and to educate and inspire others to do likewise. He deeded a plot surrounding his family cemetery to the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina for the preservation for the cemetery and the establishment of a church.
	In 1916, The Chapel of Rest burned to the ground and was reconstructed in 1917 under the direction of Reverend Hugh A. Dobbin, Episcopal minister at the Chapel of Rest.
	The Chapel of Rest Preservation Society was created in 1984 to preserve the historical integrity of the Chapel and to maintain&nbsp;the&nbsp;building and grounds.&nbsp;In 2009, The Chapel grounds were officially purchased by the Chapel of Rest Preservation Society from the Patterson School Foundation.&nbsp;
	In addition to its historical significance, the Chapel of Rest also has folkloric significance as a haunted site. Many locals have shared stories of various perceptions of what they believe to be supernatural behavior. The story goes that during the 1920s, the pastor of The Chapel of Rest found out that his wife had been cheating on him. The legend claims that he went into the church on a Saturday night, slit his wrists, and hung himself near the front pew. Some claim that one can still see what are thought to be he scuff marks from his shoes on that front pew, as well as mysterious, unidentified dark red&nbsp;stains on the floor. Other legends claim that the Bible on the podium will reveal when and how you will die. There is no archived&nbsp;evidence that a pastor took his own life in The Chapel of Rest, but the story still lives on.
Presently, there are services offered on&nbsp;Easter Eve, Thanksgiving Eve, and Christmas Eve all&nbsp;presented at 4:00 in the afternoon. If inclined, couples can reserve The Chapel of Rest for their wedding ceremony. Additionally, The Chapel of Rest hosts concerts throughout the year featuring different local musicians.&nbsp;Open to the public during daylight hours, the Chapel of Rest is a place to pause,&nbsp;meditate and enjoy an extended view of the beautiful Happy Valley.<div> </div>

The Chapel of Rest, first built in 1887, overlooks the Yadkin River in Happy Valley, in the foothills of western North Carolina. In 1916 the Chapel burned to the ground, but was rebuilt in 1917. The Chapel of Rest is protected and preserved by The Chapel of Rest Preservation Society.  Open to the public during daylight hours, the Chapel of Rest is a place to pause, meditate and enjoy an extended view of the beautiful Happy Valley.


The Chapel of Rest

The Western North Carolina (WNC( Sculpture Center at Patterson School is housed in the school's gynasium. Thirty foot ceilings are conducive to all types of studio space that allow artists to work on a larger scale than might be found elsewhere. It will be outfitted for general, private, and community studios, with interior gallery space for work of all sorts and sizes. This large space will allow for demonstrations, workshops, classes and events.This campus offers artists in residence opportunities in blacksmithing, ceramics, metal casting, mixed media and non-specific media.Also found on the grounds is a Sculpture Park, found on 1,400 acres. It is open to the public, is a destination for visitors, has a rotating outdoor sculpture exhibits and sits midst beautiful gently rolling hills and landscapes. Open fields and hiking trails can also be found there.

Western North Carolina Sculpture Center @ Patterson School

Fort Defiance was the residence of William Lenoir and the six generations of his family that preceded him. Construction of the house was started in 1788 but was not completed until 1792 four years later. Lenoir oversaw every aspect and design of the house to ensure that each room had a specific use to everyday life. Years later the house was bought by a non-profit organization in 1962 to help restore the house to its original glory.

At the age of eighteen, William became certified as a teacher but had other ambitions&nbsp;as he knew that his teaching salary would be insufficient to raise a family. To combat his low salary, he chose to become an apprentice to a land surveyor in 1772. Recognizing the opportunity presented by uncharted lands towards the Appalachian Mountains, Lenoir went&nbsp;to what at that time was the frontier of North Carolina.&nbsp;Lenoir used his salary to acquire land and moved his family here just before the start of the American Revolution in 1775. His first house was at Fisher’s Creek (present-day Wilkesboro), until he moved his family into a two room cabin in Happy Valley. William and his family then moved into the home he called Fort Defiance in 1792 where he spent the rest of his years.&nbsp;Today Fort Defiance is a historical site that allows anyone to be exposed to the architecture and natural beauty of the land that William Lenoir himself surveyed hundreds of years ago. Inside the house, there are over three hundred pieces of original furniture and artifacts that depict how everyday life was during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Fort Defiance was the home of General William Lenoir, a Major General in the North Carolina militia during the American Revolution. Lenoir is best known for his written account of the pivotal battle of Kings Mountain that helped turned the tide against the British in their southern campaign. Lenoir built his home in 1792 near the site of an original fort that he had commissioned to fend off Cherokee raiders. Many generations of William Lenoir’s family lived in the home until the house was acquired in 1965. The site allows tours through the home to see furniture from the era and experience what life was like during the period.  

Fort Defiance (North Carolina)

Famous guests at the hotel have included&nbsp;Annie Oakley, J.D. Rockefeller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, and Margaret Mitchell, the author of "Gone With the Wind."

The Green Park Inn is a historic hotel located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Built in 1882, it situated along an entrance to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Given this location, it has attracted tourists and celebrities alike since its inception. Three businessmen, including a former Civil War veteran Major George Washington Findlay Harper, built the hotel in order to accommodate guests who sought the region's cooler climate and mountain views. It is the last of the "grand manor" hotels left in western North Carolina and the second oldest one still in operation in the state. It closed facing foreclosure in 2009 but the New York City real estate businessmen Eugene and Steven Irace bought it a year later and began extensive renovations. The hotel reopened in 2011. The town's first post office was housed in the hotel and it still remains as the "History Room," which tells visitors about the hotel's history. The hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. 

Green Park Inn

The Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum is a natural history museum located in Grandfather Mountain State Park near Linville, North Carolina. The museum features exhibits about birds, early explorers to the area like Daniel Boone, Native American artifacts, and flower, mushroom and plant wax replicas made by artist Paul Manchard. The museum also features a large gem and mineral collection. Highlights include Tar Heel gold specimens, emeralds and rubies found in the state, and the largest amethyst found in North America.

Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum 

Though there is little available information before European explorers reached the region, Grandfather Mountain and surrounding areas were once held by the Cherokee people in what is currently the western portion of North Carolina. The mountain was known to them as "Tanawha" which meant "Fabulous or Great Eagle". Today little is visible of the Cherokee legacy other than the usage of their place names on Trails within the region such as "Yonahlossee" which means "trail of the bear". In the mid-1700s colonial explorers began making their way through the region. The famous Daniel Boone himself, for whom the nearby town of Boone is named for, once also made the the climb to the top of the mountain. Numerous other figures such as the Scottish naturalist John Muir and botanists&nbsp;Andre Michaux and Asa Gray made note of several species of flora unique to the mountain such as Gray's Lily. Towards the end of the 18th century the frontier of NC had reached the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Through the 19th century townships were founded further into the mountain range including Blowing Rock, Boone, Banner Elk, and Linville where the mountain is located. The first settlers into the Banner Elk and Linville area saw a large face in the profile of the mountain on its southern side. This face resembled that of an elderly man and would be the basis of its new English name. Over the following decades the&nbsp;mountain would became more and more an important cultural and natural landmark for the north western region of North Carolina. Nestled above what is now the Blue Ridge Parkway, it has long been a destination for tourists bringing financial income to local businesses. The property, previously in the private ownership of the Lenoir family who settled nearby Catawba county, was purchased in 1885 by Donald MacRae who commissioned a resort in the Linville area which resulted in NC's first golf course and the creation of the major roadway that connected Linville to nearby Blowing Rock. The mountain eventually ended up in the care of MacRae's grandson, Huge Morton, who continued to develop the area to generate tourism. This resulted in a UNESCO designation of a protected biosphere reserve, a nature reserve which includes a small zoo and large abundance of local flora, and the Mile High Bridge which has become a famous symbol of the already renowned twin-peaked mountain. The region is popular with hikers as it lies on the Appalachian Trail in addition to several miles of park&nbsp;trail on the Profile, Tanawha, Yonahlossee and Boone Fork Trails.&nbsp; After his death in 2006, Morton's family sold over 2,600 acres to the State of North Carolina for development into a state park. The transfer of ownership and official designation as NC's 34th state park was completed by 2009. The mountain continues to draw thousands of visitors every year and host famous events on MacRae Meadow such as Singing on the Mountain in June and the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games every July&nbsp;which celebrates the Scottish heritage of NC which&nbsp;includes&nbsp;the MacRae family.&nbsp;

The history of Grandfather Mountain begins well before European contact with indigenous populations. The Cherokee knew the mountain as Tanawah, meaning "Fabulous Hawk or Eagle", long before European explorers and settlers would see the old man's face in the mountain. The mountain was acquired in the 1800s by Donald MacRae and the property remained in private ownership until 2008 when North Carolina State Parks took possession for $12 million dollars from the Morton family who currently owned it as a tourist attraction.  

Across the Grain

John's River

Introduction

Sources