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

Mayview Park

— Blowing Rock History Walk —

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 24, 2023

1. Mayview Park Marker

Inscription. The arrival of Charlottean Walter Alexander in Blowing Rock in 1917 marked the beginning of a dynamic era in our town's development. In less than a decade, he would transform the Blowing Rock landscape by developing Mayview Park. It was designed to be the finest resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This 600-acre property included panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain and John's River Gorge. In order to protect and highlight the natural beauty and virgin forests, Alexander personally supervised road construction and foot paths. Cottages, which varied in size and style, were constructed of native chestnut bark. Resort recreational amenities included red-clay tennis courts, golf at Norwood Golf Course, trout fishing, horseback riding hunting and, swimming. The Mayview Gun and Rod Club was managed by the world famous sharp-shooter and wild west cowgirl, Annie Oakley. The cornerstone was the splendid Mayview Manor Hotel, constructed to promote tourism on a grand scale. Alexander hoped to make Blowing Rock America's Switzerland. He recruited large conventions and brought leaders in business, government, and

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Hollywood to Blowing Rock. Through the 1950's and beyond, Mayview Park and the Mayview Manor Hotel represented gracious living at its finest, attracting some of America's most prominent families.

Caption: Car on Pinnacle Rd. in Mayview

Erected by Blowing Rock Historical Society • Blowing Rock Village Foundation • Town of Blowing Rock.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 36° 7.936′ N, 81° 40.773′ W. Marker is in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, in Watauga County. It is at the intersection of Laurel Lane and Wallingford Street, on the right when traveling east on Laurel Lane. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Blowing Rock NC 28605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s and he Mountains in the High Country. 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

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 24, 2023

2. Mayview Park Marker

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: Lenoir-Blowing Rock Turnpike (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Visitors and Settlers (within shouting distance of this marker); Uncle Joe Clark and Becoming a Town (within shouting distance of this marker); Watauga Hotel and Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Street Through the Years (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blowing Rock's History (about 300 feet away); Glen Burney Falls (about 300 feet away); Appalachian Ski Mountain (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blowing Rock.

Also see . . . Backstory: Mayview (PDF). Blowing Rock mainly consisted of two residential areas, downtown (also referred to as the “village”) and Green Park. Walter L. Alexander would expand settlement in Blowing

Mayview Manor Hotel image. Click for full size.

via rebcole.tripod.com (Public Domain), 1930/40

3. Mayview Manor Hotel

Picture was taken during the time John (Jack) Gordon Craft leased and managed Mayview Manor.

Rock westward with his creation of Mayview. (Blowing Rock Historical Society) (Submitted on July 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on July 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.