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

Stepping Out

Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, September 4, 2016

1. Stepping Out Marker

Inscription. The coming of the railroad and tuberculosis sanitariums in the 1880s prompted a population explosion in Asheville. On Patton Avenue the Grand Central Hotel opened circa 1880 and the Grand Opera House in 1890. Later, vaudeville and motion picture theaters sprang up along this thoroughfare. The last to close, the Imperial, was demolished in 1980.

Placed in honor of Leslie Anderson, Director of Downtown Development 1986-1995, by her friends

Erected by Asheville Urban Trail.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 35° 35.687′ N, 82° 33.16′ W. Marker is in Asheville, North Carolina, in Buncombe County. It is in the South Slope Brewing District. It can be reached from the intersection of Patton Avenue (Alternate U.S. 74) and South Lexington Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Asheville NC 28801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North

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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 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: Coleman Zageir (a few steps from this marker); George Masa (within shouting distance of this marker); O. Henry (within shouting distance of this marker); Immortal Image (within shouting distance of this marker); Elizabeth Blackwell, M.D. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Crossroads (about 300 feet away); The Early Years In Asheville's Historic Central Square (about 400 feet away); Crossroads of Commerce (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Asheville.

Other markers no longer nearby. Crossroads of Culture (was within

Photographed by Michael C. Wilcox, September 4, 2016

2. Stepping Out Marker

shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Robert E. Lee (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed); Zebulon Baird Vance (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . Asheville Urban Trail info. (Submitted on September 7, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.)

Stepping Out Marker looking East along Patton Ave at S. Lexington Ave. intersection image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, August 29, 2025

3. Stepping Out Marker looking East along Patton Ave at S. Lexington Ave. intersection

Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 609 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 3. submitted on September 16, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.