Commercial logging and devastating wildfires scarred the forests of America in the early decades of the 1900s. To repair the damage, the United States Forest Service began the "Penny Pine" program in the 1930s, encouraging people to donate a penny . . . — — Map (db m123299) HM
The “old” Rosenwald School was a four room frame building, built in 1910. The school was located near the junction of West Main Street and Rosenwald Lane. When the school mysteriously burned down in 1941, students had school in churches and other . . . — — Map (db m287255) HM
Founded in 1919 under the Pastorate of Reverend M.C. Rice and about 4 members of Bethel Baptist Church. The original church was located near the junction of Carver and Oakdale Streets. The present sanctuary was built in 1978 on the site of what was . . . — — Map (db m287286) HM
Bethel Baptist is the oldest African American church in Transylvania County. Prior to 1865, African American Baptists in the County attended Cathey’s Creek church. As slaves, they were relegated to the back of the church. Their participation was . . . — — Map (db m287346) HM
The clang of a hammer on iron and the acrid scent of coal smoke were commonplace at the Biltmore Forest School. Two blacksmiths, each with their own business 14 miles away in Brevard, took turns working here. Not only did the horses require shoes . . . — — Map (db m43798) HM
Methodist. Opened 1934 on campus of Brevard Institute after merger of Rutherford College (est. 1853) and Weaver College (est. 1873). — — Map (db m12483) HM
This memorial plaque is dedicated to Brevard Rosenwald School an entity of the North Carolina educational institution serving the Negro children of Transylvania County from before 1910 to 1966. The school lives on in the present through the memories . . . — — Map (db m287256) HM
The brick-framed home before you was built at the turn of the Twentieth Century, just a few years before Dr. English boasted Brevard’s first car. The current owners have plans to renovate this house in 2024/2025.
As stewards of history . . . — — Map (db m287356) HM
Erected by WPA in 1936-7 has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places
By The United States Department of the Interior 1994 — — Map (db m12482) HM
Each day before heading to the woods, Biltmore Forest School students stopped at the commissary for a quick lunch that might have included hoop cheese, pork and beans, or canned peaches. The open area around the store was a great place to play . . . — — Map (db m43546) HM
Condrey Sharp and his wife, Susan, operated their home as a boarding house for several years. It was located at the deep curve on Carver Street, near Eliza’s 2-story rooming house.
“The African American Storyline Project” (A Transylvania . . . — — Map (db m287291) HM
The bare rock profile named Devil's Courthouse is sinister in appearance and legend. Its "devilish" look has contributed to the many folk tales surrounding this mountain.
Within the mountain is a cave where, legend claims, the devil holds . . . — — Map (db m70413) HM
In the days before Vanderbilt bought this land, families drove the cattle, pigs, geese and turkeys they raised in these mountains along this road to the market in Greenville and Charleston, SC. The main link with the outside world, this road came up . . . — — Map (db m44222) HM
Near this location
the first meeting of
Dunn's Rock Masonic
Lodge No.267
A.F.& A.M.
was held in stone building
August 4, 1867
Date of Charter
December 4, 1867 — — Map (db m12449) HM
Eliza “Mother Liza” Cunningham operated Eliza’s Rooming House for many out of town workers. To get to the two story frame house, you would travel down Carver Street to the first deep curve, before heading up the hill on a dirt and gravel road. . . . — — Map (db m287290) HM
Trading route between mountain settlements of the Cherokee and their town Estatoe, in what is now South Carolina, passed nearby. — — Map (db m12437) HM
The Fire Baptized Holiness Church, founded in 1919 under the Pastorate of Reverend Ella Adams, was a log cabin, the last such church building in the area. The cabin has been torn down for a number of years. It was located on Oakdale Street, near the . . . — — Map (db m287350) HM
What killed the trees? The balsam wooly adelgid, a pinhead-size insect native to Europe, is responsible. It began attacking the Fraser fir forests here in the 1970s. The red spruce, unaffected by the adelgid, survives in the midst of this . . . — — Map (db m58934) HM
First U.S. school of forestry, Established 1898 by Dr. C.A. Schenck, chief forester, Biltmore estate. Location until 1909 was nearby. — — Map (db m11722) HM
Georgia Hill was the name given to the group of black people who came up to Brevard in the 1920’s from Georgia. Together with Georgia Hill, several smaller neighborhoods (Goose Hollow, Greasy Corner, Hemphill Circle and The Flats) actually made up . . . — — Map (db m287344) HM
By 1900, everything you see here was part of George W. Vanderbilt's estate that he called "Pisgah Forest." In 1912, Vanderbilt sold timber harvest rights on 69,326 acres to Louis Carr for $12 an acre. Carr built 75 miles of railroad to haul the . . . — — Map (db m183165) HM
Goose Hollow refers to an area along West Main Street, extending past the Rosenwald School to the bottom of the hill. People in the area enjoyed being outside. While washing their clothes, they used to yell at each other. Reportedly one day, Homer . . . — — Map (db m287254) HM
Located off of Thomas and West Main Street, the housing complex consisting of 10 apartments, were built around 1958. The people were so pleasant that the area became known as “Happy Hollow”. The property was owned by Evelena Brown and built by Leroy . . . — — Map (db m287253) HM
Dr. Schenck told new arrivals to the forestry school “find yourself a place to stay.” Many did so in the cabins left by settlers after Vanderbilt purchased their land. Students gave their cabins playful names such as “Gnat . . . — — Map (db m43988) HM
In the 1960’s, Mr. Henry Hutchison operated Henry’s Barber Shop. It was located near Betsill’s Barber Shop. Once Betsill’s closed, Henry’s was the only barber shop in the black community. The building also housed the very popular Green Onion Dinner . . . — — Map (db m287289) HM
In 1972, Dorothy Silversteen Berg, pictured to the right, bequeathed the Silvermont mansion and grounds to the citizens of Transylvania County. This beautiful property containing a 33 room colonial revival mansion and 8 1/2 acres of land was . . . — — Map (db m227357) HM
[Freedom side of marker]:
In honor and memory of those from Transylvania County who Sacrificed their lives in the Defense of Our Country
Vietnam
Milton Goldsmith • Joe D. Hudson • Reginald W. Lynch • Victor G. McCall • Weldon B. . . . — — Map (db m80478) WM
James “Jim” P. Aiken and his wife, Mary, had a daughter known to the world as "Moms Mabley." Loretta (Moms) was well known on stage, screen and television.
At the time of Jim Aiken’s death, he owned a total of six houses, was a prominent black . . . — — Map (db m287251) HM
What good was a high windswept ridge beyond its obvious scenic beauty? Dr. Carl Schenck, who managed 80,000 acres of George W. Vanderbilt's Pisgah Forest between 1895 and 1909, tried raising livestock! In 1902, Schenck spent $25 on a goat fence on . . . — — Map (db m43790) HM
Like a gigantic mirror, Looking Glass Rock reflects a dazzle of sunlight when water collects on its granite face. This display is especially spectacular in winter when the water turns to ice.
Looking Glass Rock is a pluton formed by underground . . . — — Map (db m70420) HM
Opening in 1952 against the backdrop of segregation, the MCJCC has been a vital part of historic Rosenwald for 60+ years. It became the hub of entertainment, activity and fellowship for the black community. Mary B. Kilgore imagined this central . . . — — Map (db m287352) HM
In 1896, a frame structured building was erected for this church. The site was a lot located beside the current Masonic Lodge Building. In 1954, the church was torn down because of its deteriorating condition.
“The African American Storyline . . . — — Map (db m287287) HM
You may never go to the moon but, if you touch this tree you will be touching something that has. When Stuart Roosa, a former Forest Service smoke jumper, served as an astronaut on the Apollo XIV mission he wanted to take something along to honor . . . — — Map (db m43548) HM
On or about 1905, the Masons were organized under the name Mountain Lily Lodge 117. The members later joined the Odd Fellows, in securing the lodge hall building. The Lodge was located on the second floor of the two story building, while Victor . . . — — Map (db m287288) HM
Edward Killian was the first African-American to operate a taxi business in Brevard. His company was in business at this central location until the 1950’s.
“The African American Storyline Project” (A Transylvania Citizen’s Improvement . . . — — Map (db m287283) HM
This café was first operated by Mr. Mack Butler and later by Mr. Grady Elliot in the 1940’s and early 1950’s. The frame building was located across the street from Bethel “A” Baptist Church.
“The African American Storyline Project” (A . . . — — Map (db m287285) HM
From 1917 to about 1956, the Reverend J.F.W. “Jip” Mills owned and operated a grocery store here. For about five cents each, you could buy sugar, baloney and large bags of candy.
“The African American Storyline Project” (A Transylvania . . . — — Map (db m287348) HM
During segregation days, numerous businesses and enterprises were located in Rosenwald. Mrs. Annie Bell Killian operated a popular grocery store from 1935 to 1960. The store’s location was just across the street from Bethel “A” Baptist Church. Mr. . . . — — Map (db m287284) HM
North Carolina. Colonized, 1585-87, by first English settlers in America; permanently settled C. 1650; First to vote Readiness for Independence. Apr. 12 1776
South Carolina. Formed in 1712 from part of Carolina, which was chartered . . . — — Map (db m12434) HM
Constructed in 1882, by Hiram King this large, two-story home was purchased by George W. Vanderbilt to house his rangers. Ranger George Gillespie and his family boarded eight forestry students in the rooms upstairs. For two meals each day, Mrs. . . . — — Map (db m43793) HM
To the “mountaineers”, or people who lived around the Pisgah Forest, these lands were theirs to log, pasture, hunt and moonshine as they had for years. In an effort to convince them otherwise, Schenck installed rangers in lodges at . . . — — Map (db m43795) HM
Built in 1948 to replace the old wooden school which burned down in 1941. The Rosenwald School was built at a maximum cost of $136,000, serving grades 1 through 8. Without a high school in the county that black students were allowed to attend, . . . — — Map (db m287257) HM
In 1906 a horse was basic equipment for a forestry student. Dr. Schenck expected his students to be on time for classes and that often meant they arrived at a gallop. After a morning spent in textbook learning' it was out to the field for some . . . — — Map (db m43792) HM
The first recorded Episcopal service in what is now Transylvania County was June 5, 1856. St Pauls-in-the-Valley (2.5 miles south) was organized soon after and a church constructed. After the Civil War, the parish was reorganized in Brevard as St. . . . — — Map (db m12439) HM
The oldest known existing frame house in Western North Carolina.
Listed on National Register of Historic Places.
1/2 mile on right — — Map (db m238489) HM
Cast on January 29, 1841
These Bricks and the Hand-hewn Beams Were a Part of The Weaver College Administration Building Which was Constructed in Weaverville, North Carolina 1872 — — Map (db m12484) HM
First Transylvania County Courthouse
Built in 1866-wood frame building
Brick Courthouse and County Jail Begun in 1879 and completed in 1881
Courthouse expanded and New jail constructed in 1920. Courthouse and Jail Building Renovated in 1983 . . . — — Map (db m12488) HM
Welcome to Sivermont and the Transylvania County Walk of History Markers have been placed at trees which represent significant eras of history of our city and county. Native American — Mountain Laurel, Rhododendron, Flame Azalea As . . . — — Map (db m227364) HM
A boundary dispute in 1804 between N.C. & Ga. led to armed conflict. Militia called out after constable John Havner was killed ½ mile E. — — Map (db m12438) HM
Students were responsible for doing their own laundry. Everyone,including Mrs. Gillespie and Mrs. Case, came here on washday. Clothes were boiled in a kettle over an open fire using “Octagon” soap from the commissary or homemade soap if . . . — — Map (db m44224) HM
(upper plaque)
This property has been placed on the
National Register of Historic Places
by the United States Department of the Interior
(lower plaque)
Transylvania County
Local Historic Landmark
Joint . . . — — Map (db m257505) HM
A Snapshot in Time
This forest has a story to tell. The Forest Heritage
National Scenic Byway gives you a chance to experience and learn about a century of forest changes.
In 1900, this land, named Pisgah Forest by George W.
Vanderbilt, . . . — — Map (db m300225) HM
Over 100 years ago, you would likely be standing in a corn field.
On the small knoll in front of you is the homestead of joseph and Mary Tinsley. Like hundreds of other families who lived along the Davidson River and its inbutaries, the Tinsieys . . . — — Map (db m300214) HM
This property has been
placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Built 1912 — — Map (db m187477) HM
Built 1915 as
“The Moltz Mansion”
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m187486) HM
This was the home of William Deaver and his wife, Margaret Patton Deaver. It was the scene of a tragic shooting in February 1865, a consequence of the tumult that the Civil War created among North Carolinians.
When the war began, a few . . . — — Map (db m75478) HM
Local handyman Judson Meece converted an abandoned barn into a fine office for Dr. Schenck. While Eleanor Ketchum, his secretary, and Dan Marshall, the bookkeeper were busy in the front office, Dr Schenck prepared his lectures, graded papers and . . . — — Map (db m43794) HM
In Loving Memory of those who
made the Supreme Sacrifice
for their Country
D. Monroe Wilson • Boyd Wiley Ross • Thomas Joseph Turner • Brance Lorenzo Glazener • Ellis Freeman Barton • Scott Doggin • Buford Raines — — Map (db m215138) WM
Erected by citizens
of
Transylvania County, N.C.
To honor its men who served
in the
1917 World War 1919
for Honor, Home and Humanity — — Map (db m215136) WM
Trading route between mountain settlements of the Cherokee and their town Estatoe, in what is now South Carolina, passed nearby. — — Map (db m56240) HM
Just as it was in the early days of the settlement, faith and family are valued by the people of Rosman. Some of the first churches were Zion Baptist Church, the Methodist Church, and the Church of God. 1) Zion was formed ca. 1848. An 1857 deed . . . — — Map (db m237186) HM
If you look along Main Street, you can see the twin peaks of Joshua Mountain rising south in the distance. In the early days of "the settlement " several families made their home by the banks of the river, in the shadow of Joshua. Some farmed and . . . — — Map (db m237154) HM
As the logging boom faded, Rosman continued to keep a stable population of around 500 from the year 1930 forward. Many local businesses were active during these years. In the 1930s, the Fisher Brothers ran a café, as did A. M. Pharr, and later . . . — — Map (db m237192) HM
Rosman's first schoolhouse dates back to 1857. Prior to that time, school was held at the Zion church. By 1906, the town had grown and Elizabeth Silversteen petitioned the county for funds to establish a new school set up in the old Methodist . . . — — Map (db m237190) HM
Today's citizens of Rosman are just as passionate about their town as those who signed the Toxaway charter in 1901. Like our ancestors, we have proven ourselves capable of weathering disappointment and seizing opportunity. Drawing from our past . . . — — Map (db m237195) HM
Lost industry in western N.C. Bark used to process animal hides to make leather goods. Joseph Silversteen operated one here from 1901 to 1958. — — Map (db m70761) HM
The Eastatoe Path is an ancient trail once used by the Cherokee. It started in the South Carolina lowlands, where Cherokee towns such as Keowee, Toxaway, and Eastatoe were. It traveled north into their hunting and gathering grounds, crossing Indian . . . — — Map (db m237197) HM
The Cherokee called the river Long Man. Its journey begins outside of Rosman, where the North and West Forks join. The river gains identity as East and Middle Forks merge. The French Broad then gathers all other Transylvania rivers and creeks . . . — — Map (db m237098) HM
When the railroad was completed in 1895, it changed everything. Rosman went from a quiet settlement to a booming industrial town. Joseph Silversteen had the biggest impact on the community, establishing Toxaway Tanning Co. in 1902, Gloucester . . . — — Map (db m237196) HM
Originally known only as the community of Jeptha, Rosman was established as the town of Toxaway in 1901. They kept the name two years. By 1903, J. Francis Hayes had built his new resort in Sapphire which he named Toxaway Inn. Hayes dammed the river . . . — — Map (db m237194) HM
