Near Canton in Haywood County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Cradle of Forestry
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2018
1. Cradle of Forestry Marker
This 6,500-acre historic site was created by Congress in 1968 to “preserve, develop, and make available to this and future generations the birthplace of forestry and forestry education in America.”
Today, the Cradle of Forestry is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is open to visitors from mid-April to early November. As you enter the main gate (4 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 412), you will be rewarded with the opportunity to explore the past, present, and future of environmental sustainability and stewardship - brought to visitors through paved interpretive trails, interactive exhibits, film, music, drama, guided tours, nature programs, craft demonstrations, and special events. A sustainably designed Forest Discovery
this page online
More information online at: www.blueridgeheritage.com
Erected by Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association in America.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Blue Ridge Parkway series list.
Location. 35° 22.857′ N, 82° 46.871′ W. Marker is near Canton, North Carolina, in Haywood County. It is on Blue Ridge Parkway (at milepost 411), 0.9 miles north of U.S. 276, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located
National Forests of North Carolina Photographs, D.H. Ramsey Library, Special Collections
2. Marker detail: The one-room community school and church became the forestry schools classroom.
The Cradle of Forestry preserves many original structures associated with Pisgah Forest and the Biltmore Forest School (1898-1913), first in the U.S. to train professional foresters.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains, specifically in Greater Asheville, and in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Blacksmith (approx. 2 miles away); Rock House Creek Lodge (approx. 2 miles away); Schenck's Office (approx. 2 miles away); Ranger's Dwelling (approx. 2 miles away); Commissary (approx. 2 miles away); Hell Hole (approx. 2 miles away); Wash Place (approx. 2 miles away); Draw Road (approx. 2.1
Photo by Arlon Harris
3. Marker detail: Hands-on nature programs
Hands-on nature programs and tours are offered from April to November.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Blue Ridge Heritage Trail
Also see . . .
1. Cradle of Forestry Overlook. In the late 1800s George Vanderbilt bought a very large portion of the Pisgah wilderness. Vanderbilt was an early conservationist who wanted to preserve the natural beauty of the area and create a vast game preserve. Dr. Carl Alwin Schenck, a German forestry professor, was hired by Vanderbilt to manage his property and start a forestry school. The first School of American Forestry was operated from 1898 to 1913. Schenck trained 300 foresters. The U.S. Forest Service has recognized the importance of the early pioneering conservation effort and has made a considerable investment in replicating the school and providing exhibits to show early forestry practices. (Submitted on September 11, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Biltmore Forest School. The Biltmore Forest School was the first school of forestry in North America. The school of "practical forestry" was founded by Carl A. Schenck in 1898 on George W. Vanderbilt's
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner
4. Marker detail: Special events celebrate forest heritage
Volunteers bring history to life at the Cradle of Forestry and the neighboring Pink Beds Valley.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2018
5. Cradle of Forestry Marker (wide view)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2018
6. Cradle of Forestry Overlook Sign (located a few steps from this marker)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,033 times since then and 54 times this year. Last updated on September 13, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 11, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
