Laurel Park in Henderson County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Echo Mountain Inn

Circa 1896

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 4, 2024

1. Echo Mountain Inn Marker

Inscription. This stone structure, on the crest of Echo Mountain, was originally built as a summer residence for John H. Patterson of Jacksonville, Florida. It was purchased in 1925 by Dr. & Mrs. Charles DeGarmo of Coconut Grove. Due to the financial downturn, both here and in South Florida, triggered by the 1926 hurricane, the DeGarmo's operated it as the “Tea Room” until the late 20's when Isabel Foster opened Camp Happiness for girls. W.R. Royal became the first innkeeper when he purchased the property in 1935 and created Echo Inn, providing lodging, dining, and great views for visitors to Laurel Park. There have been several site expansions by successive innkeepers plus a name change to Echo Mountain Inn. Elevation here 2,680 feet.

Erected 2013 by Laurel Park Civic Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 35° 18.4′ N, 82° 29.861′ W. Marker is in Laurel Park, North Carolina, in Henderson County. It is at the intersection of Laurel Park Highway and Echo Circle, on the right when traveling north on Laurel Park Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2849 Laurel Park Hwy, Hendersonville NC 28739, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mountains and in Greater Asheville.

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.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: CCC Rock Walls (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); “Woodlawn” (approx. 0.3 miles away); Original Water Reservoir and the Cascades (approx. 0.4 miles away); Park Heights Tower (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Swiss Railway (approx. 0.4 miles away); Crystal Spring (approx. half a mile away); The Quarry Tract (approx. half a mile away); William Alexander Smith (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laurel Park.

Also see . . . Our History. Echo Mountain Inn was originally built as a private home and later converted into a girls camp called ‘Happiness.' (Echo Mountain Inn) (Submitted on February 13, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 4, 2024

2. Echo Mountain Inn Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 653 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 13, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photograph of the inn. • Can you help?