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

Uncle Joe Clark and Becoming a Town

— Blowing Rock History Walk —

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 24, 2023

1. Uncle Joe Clark and Becoming a Town Marker

Inscription. Improved roads raised tourism to a booming business, and locals quickly realized the town needed a formal government. Following the state legislature's incorporation of the Town of Blowing Rock in 1889, Joseph B. “Uncle” Joe Clarke was elected the first mayor. An extremely colorful and beloved character, Uncle Joe was elected mayor off and on seventeen times during Blowing Rock's first twenty-two years. Also affectionately called “Commodore Joe” he championed the licensing of a tavern within the Town limits and was known to partake of some spirits on occasion. Once, having awakened to a drink or perhaps, more, he decided the town was too quiet. He soon fixed that problem by stampeding a herd of cattle down Main Street. As much fun as that must have been, as mayor he was obliged to uphold the law. The following day Uncle Joe convened mayor's court, found himself guilty of drunk and disorderly conduct and fined himself one dollar plus court costs. Blowing Rock was off to a rich and colorful start.

Caption: “Uncle” Joe Clark

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

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 36° 7.93′ N, 81° 40.748′ W. Marker is in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, in Watauga County. It is on Laurel Lane west of Wallingford Street, on the right when traveling east. 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 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: Early Visitors and Settlers (a few steps from this marker);

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 24, 2023

2. Uncle Joe Clark and Becoming a Town Marker

Mayview Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Street Through the Years (within shouting distance of this marker); Blowing Rock's History (within shouting distance of this marker); Appalachian Ski Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show (within shouting distance of this marker); Tweetsie Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Mayview Manor Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blowing Rock.

Also see . . . Backstory: Uncle Joe Clark and Becoming a Town (PDF). There are few individuals who are as notable in Blowing Rock’s history as that of Joseph B. “Uncle Joe” Clarke. (Blowing Rock Historical Society) (Submitted on July 24, 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 461 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.