Laurel Park in Henderson County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Laurel Park Railroad
1905-1917
This railroad enhanced the appeal of Laurel Park's venues such as Crystal Spring, the Casino at Rainbow Lake, Retreat Hotel, Swiss Incline Railway, and Rhododendron Lake. Designated the “most beautiful natural park in America”, Laurel Park became an entertainment destination known throughout the South as the “Playground of Hendersonville”.
During WWI, coal to run the LPRR's electric generating station became scarce, and the automobile more numerous. Operations ceased September 1917.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 35° 18.87′ N, 82° 29.091′ W. Marker is in Laurel Park, North Carolina, in Henderson County. Marker is at the intersection of Canal Drive and Laurel Park Highway, on the right when traveling north on Canal Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hendersonville NC 28739, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Canal (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Park and Amusement Grounds (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Casino (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Retreat Hotel (approx. ¼ mile away); Rhododendron Lake (approx. 0.3 miles away); William Alexander Smith (approx. 0.4 miles away); History & Restoration (approx. 0.4 miles away); West Side Historic District (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laurel Park.
Also see . . . Portrait of the Past: Laurel Park tram, Hendersonville, circa 1910. In 1903, a rail line followed Fifth Avenue in Hendersonville to Rainbow Lake, where day-trippers and summer visitors enjoyed swimming, boating, dancing, camping and casino gambling in Laurel Park. (Rob Neufeld, The Asheville Citizen Times, June 26, 2018) (Submitted on February 13, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 52 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 12, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on February 13, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.