Flat Rock in Henderson County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
A Home for Champions
Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 12, 2008
1. A Home of Champions Marker
Imagine how boisterous this barnyard was at feeding and milking time each morning and evening. Perhaps unusual for their time, Lilian and Carl Sandburg were life-long boosters for each other's chosen work. A graduate of the University of Chicago who had taught literature and expression, Lilian recognized Carl's talent for writing and always remained his steadfast supporter.
As his fame grew, Carl made sure that Lilian's expertise in goat genetics shared the limelight with his writing in the many articles published about the Sandburgs. Her success in improving and promoting dairy goats, he often said, was due to "genius, knowledge, and lighted enthusiasms."
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals.
Location. 35° 16.262′ N, 82° 26.961′ W. Marker is in Flat Rock, North Carolina, in Henderson County. It can be reached
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Mountains and in Greater Asheville. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, 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 walking distance of this marker: A Mountain Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); Glassy Mountain Trails (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Outdoor Inspiration (about 700 feet away); An American Classic (approx. 0.3 miles away); Connemara (approx. 0.3 miles away); Carl Sandburg (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Old Flat Rock Post Office (approx. 0.4 miles away); Flat Rock (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flat Rock.
More about this marker. The marker is located near the Carl Sandburg barns.
Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 12, 2008
2. Carl Sandburg Barns
Mrs. Sandburg had a deep interest in goats and developed a prizewinning herd in Michigan, but the goat herd needed more room and a milder climate. Connemara was what Lilian Sandburg wanted-a place where her husband could write, and she could raise goats. Lilian Sandburg bred champions. She earned world fame for her dairy goats and for her work improving the herd's bloodlines and milk production. In 1952 the herd numbered over 200, and helpers milked 50 to 80 does twice a day. In 1960 top doe Jennifer ll produced 5,750 pounds of milk, averaging 205 gallons a day. She became the all-breed American champion in milk production and the world Toggenburg Champion.
Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 12, 2008
3. Carl Sandburg Historic site
The farm still has goats.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2008, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,493 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 13, 2008, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
