Brevard in Transylvania County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

McMinn Building

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 4, 2024

1. McMinn Building Marker

Inscription.
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1899

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 35° 14.037′ N, 82° 44.058′ W. Marker is in Brevard, North Carolina, in Transylvania County. It is at the intersection of North Broad Street (U.S. 64/276) and West Main Street, on the right when traveling south on North Broad Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 W Main St, Brevard NC 28712, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 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

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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: In Honor and Memory (a few steps from this marker); Tree Planted in Memory of George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Transylvania County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); "Moms" Mabley (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); College Stone Wall and Gate (approx. ¼ mile away); Brick-Framed Home (approx. ¼ mile away); Jim Aiken’s/Moms Mableys Home Place (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Philip's Parish (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brevard.

Regarding McMinn Building. Excerpts from the National Register nomination:

Erected in 1899 for Nathan Van Buren McMinn, the McMinn Building is a handsome well-preserved two-story late-Victorian brick commercial building which has been a landmark in the small town of Brevard for nearly a century.…

Occupying a critical position on the north corner of the town square – at the crossing of Broad
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 4, 2024

2. McMinn Building Marker
and Main streets – it was the first brick commercial building erected in the county seat of Transylvania County…

Built as a rental investment building, it featured three one-story storefronts facing on West Main Street. A separate entrance on West Main Street opened onto the staircase providing access to eighteen rental offices on the second story. Although some minor alterations have been effected to the first-story exterior and the store interiors, the building retains a remarkable degree of integrity in its construction and finish. The building is distinguished by handsome corbelled brickwork, original Mesker Brothers cast iron storefronts, a pressed tin ceiling, and other contemporary, original fittings in the three storefronts.

Also see . . .
1. McMinn Building (PDF). National Register nomination for the building, which was listed in 1994. (Prepared by Davyd Foard Hood; via North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office) (Submitted on February 13, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. McMinn Built City's Commerce – Brevard NC. Nathan Van Buren McMinn arrived in Transylvania

McMinn Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 4, 2024

3. McMinn Building

As seen from across Main Street.

County after the county was created and quickly became one of its leading citizens. (Marcy Thompson, The Transylvania Times, Sept. 8, 2013) (Submitted on February 13, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Nathan Van Buren McMinn and wife Lizzie England McMinn image. Click for full size.

via Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library (Public Domain)

4. Nathan Van Buren McMinn and wife Lizzie England McMinn

In addition to his business enterprises, McMinn served as Transylvania County sheriff for six years, 1882-1888.

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 349 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 13, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.