Asheville in Buncombe County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Birthplace of American Forestry

August 10, 2012

1. Birthplace of American Forestry Marker

Inscription. George W. Vanderbilt, following the recommendation of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, was the first American landowner to implement scientific forestry, the management and conservation of forest lands, on a large scale. He hired Gifford Pinchot, founder of The Society of American Foresters, to develop a management plan for the surrounding forest. Biltmore's forest management plan improved the health of the forest while protecting sustainable wood resources.

The Biltmore Forest School (1898 - 1913), located nearby, was the country's first to provide professional training for foresters. Today, many American colleges and universities offer curricula in forestry and natural resource management.

Erected by Society of American Foresters.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry.

Location. 35° 32.413′ N, 82° 33.2′ W. Marker is in Asheville, North Carolina, in Buncombe County. Marker can be reached from One Biltmore Plaza. Marker is left (south terrace) of the Biltmore Estate. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Asheville NC 28803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Frederick Law Olmsted (here, next to this marker); Olmsted at Biltmore

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Biltmore's Historic Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); The Italian Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Exploring Deer Park Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Siting Biltmore House and Stables (about 400 feet away); Biltmore Dairy Bar (about 500 feet away); Shrub Garden (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Asheville.

Also see . . . Biltmore: The Birthplace of American Forestry. When George Vanderbilt built the Biltmore Estate in the 1890s, he wanted to help preserve the surrounding forest around it. It wasn't until 1914 when Vanderbilt's widow, Edith, sold most of the land to the United States - helping to create the Pisgah National Forest. (Submitted on August 12, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 7, 2021

2. Birthplace of American Forestry Marker

Marker is on a porch facing the south terrace of the Biltmore Estate.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2012. This page has been viewed 487 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 17, 2012. 2. submitted on August 12, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.