Blowing Rock in Watauga County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Blowing Rock Memorial Park

ca. 1939

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 30, 2022

1. Blowing Rock Memorial Park Marker

Inscription. This public park was originally the site of the Watauga Hotel which was built in 1884 by J.G. Finley as the first hotel in Blowing Rock. Later known as the Watauga Inn, the building was destroyed by fire in the early 1900's and again in 1926. The Town of Blowing Rock purchased the property in 1939.

Erected by Blowing Rock Historical Society • Blowing Rock Art and History Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.

Location. 36° 7.988′ N, 81° 40.697′ W. Marker is in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, in Watauga County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (Business U.S. 321) and Sunset Drive, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1040 Main St, Blowing Rock NC 28605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Memory Of Those Who Made The Supreme Sacrifice (here, next to this marker); Blowing Rock Bank (a few steps from this marker); Storie's Soda Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Daniel Boone Trail Marker (within shouting distance of this marker); Stoneman's Raid (within shouting distance of this marker);

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Watauga Hotel Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Martin House (within shouting distance of this marker); Randall Memorial Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blowing Rock.

Also see . . . The Watauga Hotel (1884-1926). One of the six two-room cottages the hotel built in an 1888 expansion still sits within the park. (Zachary Dressel and Margaret Handley, Clio: Your Guide to History, posted Nov. 8, 2020) (Submitted on November 17, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 30, 2022

2. Blowing Rock Memorial Park Marker

Marker is beneath the left potted plant at the top of the stairs.

Watauga Hotel Cottage image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 30, 2022

3. Watauga Hotel Cottage

This cottage, one of six the hotel built in 1888, is the only one still standing.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 16, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on November 17, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.