Rosman in Transylvania County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Queen City
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 9, 2023
1. The Queen City Marker
When the railroad was completed in 1895, it changed everything. Rosman went from a quiet settlement to a booming industrial town. Joseph Silversteen had the biggest impact on the community, establishing Toxaway Tanning Co. in 1902, Gloucester Lumber in 1911, and Rosman Tanning and Extract in 1912. Jobs became plentiful, with the added benefit of company housing. The new company store was so popular that it stayed open late sometimes until midnight helping customers from Rosman and Brevard alike. Company workers were paid with script, a company form of cash.
© 2011 eyd/thm
Erected 2011 by Transylvania Heritage Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 35° 8.734′ N, 82° 49.552′ W. Marker is in Rosman, North Carolina, in Transylvania County. It can be reached from the intersection of Pickens Highway (U.S. 178) and Main Street (State Road 1156), on the right when traveling south. The marker is located in the history exhibit plaza adjacent to Rosman Town Hall. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains. 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: The Eastatoe Path (here, next to this marker); God's Children (here, next to this marker); The Mighty French Broad (here, next to this marker); Rosman Today (here, next to this marker); Joshua Mountain and Early Settlers (here, next to this marker); Rosman Schools (here, next to this marker); What's in a Name? (a few steps from this marker); Making a Living (a few steps from this marker).
2. Marker detail: Gloucester Lumber
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. The Gloucester Lumber Co. Excerpt:
After establishing the Toxaway Tanning Company in 1902, Joseph Silversteen purchased 20 thousand acres from the Vanderbilt Estate and started the Gloucester Lumber Company in 1910. Lumbering started in earnest, supplying the mill and the extract plant with materials needed to keep Silversteen Industries growing. As the towns population increased, more businesses sprung up to serve the peoples needs. According to Bradstreets Business Directory, by 1917, the town of Rosman was home to six general stores, two sawmills, a drug store and a hotel.(Submitted on December 3, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Rosman Was Home Before Silvermont. Excerpt:
Joseph Silversteen was a leading industrialist in Transylvania County at the time. The Silversteens lived in the same community as the workers for their numerous businesses including: the Toxaway Tanning Company, Gloucester Lumber Company, Rosman Tanning(Submitted on December 3, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Extract Company and the Transylvania Tanning Company. Located near the intersection of New Town Road and West Main Street in Rosman, their home was often a center for Christmas celebrations that they opened to the public, including to their workers. The Silversteens moved into their downtown Brevard mansion in 1917. Their original Transylvania County residence in Rosman stood for many years until structural damage left it beyond repair and it had to be demolished.
3. Marker detail: Company Store
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 9, 2023
4. The Queen City Marker
Looking west. French Broad River & bridge in background.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 161 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 3, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
