The Mast Farm dates from the late 1700s, when Joseph Mast traveled from his birth place of Randolph County, North Carolina to the mountains. Joseph is said to have traded his rifle, his dog, and a pair of leggings for 1,000 acres of fertile Watauga . . . — — Map (db m210472) HM
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park preserves the country estate of Moses Cone, a prosperous textile entrepreneur, conservationist, and philanthropist of the Gilded Age. Its centerpiece is Flat Top Manor, a gleaming white 23-room mansion of almost 14,000 . . . — — Map (db m123231) HM
The State Legislature approved our town charter in 1889, and it allowed for
regulation of the sale of beer and wine. Our first Mayor, Joe Clark (who was
known to enjoy a drink), allowed Thornton Ingle to open a tavern, and the good
times began, . . . — — Map (db m229065) HM
In 1952 the town granted land to American Legion Post 256 for the construction of this building and to commemorate the veterans of Blowing Rock. Members of the Legion post and town citizens provided the labor, funds, and materials. Renovations, . . . — — Map (db m210555) HM
Originally built as a pharmacy for Mayview Park, this rustic structure would become Antlers in the 1930s. Hillis Icenhour continued his family's operation and ownership until the 1980s. Legend has it that Antlers was a provider of "spirits" before . . . — — Map (db m210566) HM
Opening in 1962 as Northwestern North Carolina's first ski area, Appalachian Ski Mtn. transformed Blowing Rock into a year-round vacation destination from a summer town where only one restaurant and one motel stayed open during its inaugural . . . — — Map (db m210536) HM
Organized in 1999 in response to a gift of Elliott Daingerfield artwork, the museum promotes the visual arts, history and rich heritage of the mountains. All of the funds to build this structure were generously donated by local citizens. — — Map (db m210544) HM
Founded in 1907, the Blowing Rock Bank helped usher in the new century. Among its founders are the town's first mayor, Joseph B. Clarke and mayor George Sudderth who resigned his mayoral office to supervise construction of this building. — — Map (db m210553) HM
In 1923 Lloyd M. Tate held the first Blowing Rock Horse Show on Green Hill Road just up the mountain behind the Green Park Hotel.
By the mid-1920's Mr. T. A. Broyhill had purchased much of what we know today as the Mayview neighborhood of Blowing . . . — — Map (db m210538) HM
Built for the purpose of storing ice harvested from nearby Chetola Lake, this building is constructed of Grandfather Mountain granite. This property has served many uses including an automobile service station, electrical repair shop and the offices . . . — — Map (db m210561) HM
This public park was originally the site of the Watauga Hotel which was built in 1884 by J.G. Finley as the first hotel in Blowing Rock. Later known as the Watauga Inn, the building was destroyed by fire in the early 1900's and again in 1926. The . . . — — Map (db m210530) HM
Built of native timber and stone, the church is the oldest religious structure on Main Street. The original 24 pews, each 11 feet long, are still in use. The exact dimensions of the structure were selected to achieve optimal interior acoustics. . . . — — Map (db m210567) HM
As Blowing Rock's first African American church, this building served the religious and social activities of its members from 1949 until 1980. Funds for the purchase of the land came from a community fund drive. In 1982, First Independent Baptist . . . — — Map (db m210583) HM
Discover Blowing Rock's rich and colorful past as you follow the History Walk
down Laurel Lane through Broyhill Park and back. On your journey, you will learn
about some of the people, places and events that have made our village the “Crown . . . — — Map (db m229051) HM
Flat Top Manor, once the home of textile magnate Moses H. Cone and his family, presides over the former Cone Estate—3,600 acres of forests, meadows and rolling farmlands.
Moses Cone, whose hobbies included road-building and cultivating . . . — — Map (db m20349) HM
Flat Top Manor, once the home of textile magnate Moses H. Cone and his family, presides over the former Cone Estate—3,600 acres of forests, meadows and rolling farmlands.
Moses Cone, whose hobbies included road-building and cultivating . . . — — Map (db m98708) HM
The 100-acre resort was purchased by Lot Estes in 1846 for five dollars. In 1892 W.W. Stringfellow transformed the original boarding house into a grand manor and named it “Chetola”, which means “haven of rest” in Cherokee. J. Luther Snyder, the . . . — — Map (db m210523) HM
The beautiful Chetola Resort of today started more modestly. In 1884, Lot Estes
purchased 100 acres including a horse stable and freight way station for the grand
price of a nickel per acre. He built a family home that his son expanded and used as . . . — — Map (db m229056) HM
Built on land donated by Lorena & R.H. Gore of Fort Lauderdale, FL, this structure is the first Catholic church in Watauga County. The Franciscan fathers from Lenoir collected funds for its construction. Originally designed for seasonal use, the . . . — — Map (db m210578) HM
Craig Cottage was built by D.J. Craig, the original owner of the Green Park Hotel. The foundation and five fireplaces are built of Grandfather Mountain stone. Chestnut bark siding was later replaced with cedar siding. German-style architectural . . . — — Map (db m210570) HM
The Tudor Revival style of this house is rare in Blowing Rock. The greenstone used for the house was quarried by Paul Coffey. Coffey's brother-in-law, Ernest Banner, was the stonemason. Banner's work features keystones and youssoirs over the windows . . . — — Map (db m210556) HM
Donated to the Town of Blowing Rock in loving memory of two brothers and Blowing Rock's sons, Paul and Glenn
Coffey by the Coffey Family
This monument was erected two blocks north of this site on September 1, 1927. Mr. Thomas H. Coffey . . . — — Map (db m43883) HM
Built originally for Miss Mary Arrington of Rocky Mount, NC, this residence is the long- time home of Dr. & Mrs. Charles Davant, Jr. In 1948, Mayor Grover Robbins, Sr. recruited “Doctor Charlie” to establish a much-needed medical practice in Blowing . . . — — Map (db m210558) HM
The first Blowing Rock school was a log cabin located where the library now
stands. Most of the early schools were “subscription-based” with students paying
$1.50 for three months. Among the earliest schools were Sandy Flats (built by the
Cones), . . . — — Map (db m229068) HM
The earliest people to visit the High Country, as it is known today, can also be considered its first “tourists” because none chose to live here permanently. The Cherokee and Catawba tribes traveled the region hundreds of years ago in search of game . . . — — Map (db m229017) HM
These are the steps that led to Edgewood Cottage in 1890 when Elliott Daingerfield built this home/studio in Blowing Rock. He was born in Harper's Ferry, Virginia on March 26, 1859 and moved to North Carolina with his family in 1861. Elliott was . . . — — Map (db m210547) HM
First of three Blowing Rock homes and studios of Elliott Daingerfield, a highly respected and recognized American painter. After studying at the National Academy of Design in New York, Daingerfield married and started summering in Blowing Rock in . . . — — Map (db m210548) HM
Artist, teacher, author. His paintings hang in the National Gallery, Metropolitan Museum, and other galleries. His home is here. — — Map (db m43354) HM
The church was organized July 11, 1903 with twelve charter members. A 1905 church was replaced in 1923- 24 by this building to accommodate a growing congregation. The octagonal plan places the pews and pulpit in the center with gabled Sunday school . . . — — Map (db m210527) HM
Following the Civil War, families escaping the heat and disease of the lowlands
discovered the beauty and inviting seasonal climate of Blowing Rock. Captivated by
the splendor of the Blue Ridge, tourism flourished. To meet the demand of . . . — — Map (db m229024) HM
William & Joellyn Gibbons commissioned architect Jeffrey Harbinson to design this Adirondack styled home on the former site of the Blowing Rock Hotel. The hotel was opened in 1889 to accommodate Blowing Rock's growing resort community. The home is . . . — — Map (db m210573) HM
Blowing Rock thrives on its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Hiking
the Glen Burney Trail, which begins in the center of town, is a prime example.
The Trail follows New Year's Creek, whose waters flow down the mountain to
the Johns River . . . — — Map (db m229026) HM
The community of Green Park had its own post office, telegraph, grocery store,
and golf course. Residents of the Green Park area held the first horse shows and the
earliest summer cottages were built near Green Park. The Green Park Hotel . . . — — Map (db m229062) HM
Serving as the heart of the Green Park community, this grand hotel offered the best of amenities including a post office, bowling alley, casino and shooting gallery. Historic guests included U.S. Presidents Coolidge and Hoover, Eleanor Roosevelt, . . . — — Map (db m210576) HM
This property
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Iinterior
c. 1891 — — Map (db m210577) HM
David J. Craig, L.P. Henkel, C.V. Henkel and Rufus L. Patterson provided 365 acres that adjoined the grand Green Park Hotel and carved a nine-hole golf course out of the Appalachian forest. In 1922 the course was expanded to a full eighteen holes. . . . — — Map (db m210575) HM
One of blowing rock's oldest remaining intact houses, the Victorian H-plan with a two-tier porch and an adjacent cottage was built by local craftsmen using native materials of chestnut, pine and Grandfather Mountain stone. Dr. Carter, the first . . . — — Map (db m210557) HM
In Memory Of Those
Who Made The Supreme Sacrifice
World War I
Linny Coffey
Milton Greene
Harley Hampton
Lloyd Hampton
Daniel Teague
Albert Walser
World War II
Frank Baldwin
Ralph M. Brown
John H. Calloway . . . — — Map (db m136319) WM
Originally constructed as a summer home, the property was operating as a boarding house as early as 1900. The home's exterior consists of American Chestnut bark siding and Grandfather Mountain granite. The original 11-acre estate included a livery . . . — — Map (db m210560) HM
The Julian Price Memorial Park, comprising 4,200 acres, is named in honor of its former owner, the late Julian Price, for many years president of the Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company of Greensboro, N.C. The company and Mr. Price’s son and . . . — — Map (db m134210) HM
Site of the annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show which began in 1923 and is the oldest, continuous, outdoor horse show in America. Originally hosted in Green Hill, this present location is the site of the former Donald Ross-designed Mayview Golf . . . — — Map (db m210562) HM
It was very difficult to travel to Blowing Rock until 1847, when construction began on the Lenoir-Blowing Rock Turnpike. Initially a toll road, it was surveyed by James C. Harper who became President of the Turnpike Company. Building the Turnpike . . . — — Map (db m229023) HM
Main Street has always been the heart and soul of our town. A place of beauty,
social engagement, commerce, and special events, Main Street was also residential
and included summer cottages, some still existing today. Early businesses . . . — — Map (db m229050) HM
Originally built as a private residence for H.C. & Johnsie Martin, the home soon became a boarding house to accommodate demand for tourist lodging. From 1890 to 1892, H.C. Martin was the town's mayor.
In recognition of this property's . . . — — Map (db m210534) HM
Built by Samuel Finley Harper of Lenoir, the house was purchased by Confederate General Matt W. Ransom in 1902. Ransom served as Attorney General for North Carolina, a U.S. Senator and Ambassador to Mexico. The architecture is indicative of the . . . — — Map (db m210574) HM
In 1917, Walter
Alexander began
development of Mayview
Park, one of Blowing Rock's
first and most grand
residential developments.
Envisioned originally as a
Mayview Park development
amenity for swimming,
fishing, and beautiful
strolls, . . . — — Map (db m229066) HM
Developed by Walter L. Alexander, the hotel was the centerpiece of the Mayview Park development. The chestnut barked structure contained 138 rooms and was built on the edge of John's River Gorge. The manor was a symbol of sophistication for many . . . — — Map (db m210564) HM
Mayview Manor was an opulent 138 room, grand hotel,
constructed in 1921 by Walter L. Alexander on the cliffs of
Blowing Rock overlooking the Johns River Gorge. Its Early
Appalachian architecture incorporated locally sourced
chestnut, red oak, . . . — — Map (db m210543) HM
The arrival of Charlottean Walter Alexander in Blowing Rock in 1917 marked the
beginning of a dynamic era in our town's development. In less than a decade, he
would transform the Blowing Rock landscape by developing Mayview Park. It was
designed . . . — — Map (db m229046) HM
At the turn of the 19th century, traditional herbal cures, midwives on horseback,
and the advice of elderly “granny women” provided most of the medical care in
Blowing Rock. But over the years Blowing Rock has been blessed with a variety of
men . . . — — Map (db m229053) HM
Cicero Miller, owner of Miller General Mercantile, built the house. Later, in 1919 it became the home of mayor and civic leader Grover C. Robbins, Sr. and wife Lena, daughter of Cicero and Minnie Miller. Additions were made in 1931, 1941 and 1948. . . . — — Map (db m210528) HM
Flat Top Manor was the summer home of Moses and Bertha Cone. Known as “the Denim King,” Moses built his fortune with textile mills, which produced denim fabric for companies such as Levi Strauss. Completed in 1901, the home featured central . . . — — Map (db m227307) HM
Church congregation organized in 1882 by Rev. John Ingle. Grave of Revolutionary soldier, Ed Sullivan, is located in the cemetery. Sullivan brought his own tombstone when he immigrated to Blowing Rock in the 1790's.
In recognition of this . . . — — Map (db m210580) HM
The flat meadowland and bog here are believed to be the site of an ancient lake. Silt deposited from feeder streams filled the lake bed, resulting in rich soil that supports a wide variety of plants. Nearby rock outcrops provide shelter from the . . . — — Map (db m163900) HM
This house was built in the Arts and Crafts style
as a summer home for Rev. Charles Graves Vardell,
founding president of Flora MacDonald College, &
wife Linda Rumple Vardell, dean of the conservatory.
The name Opicherhoka is derived from the . . . — — Map (db m229014) HM
Ultimately, people mold the true character of any town. Because of its
captivating, majestic scenery and invigorating climate, Blowing Rock has attracted
accomplished families of considerable means and influence. Time and again, Blowing
Rock has . . . — — Map (db m229059) HM
Built by Everett Pitts for Lenoir businessman, R.S. Reinhardt, this stone building was originally one story in height and housed the Blowing Rock Post Office until 1944. The second floor was added in the late 1940's and provided ten lodging rooms . . . — — Map (db m210525) HM
F.W. (Jack) Rainey was the original owner of this former Gulf service station. Constructed of cut stone from Grandfather Mountain, the building is indicative of facilities built along the Blue Ridge Parkway during the same time period. The . . . — — Map (db m210526) HM
This clapboard and stone structure was originally built by the Episcopal Church to serve as a workshop and training center for the local mountain population. The building was also the town's first library. The church sold the property in 1936 and . . . — — Map (db m210554) HM
Our religious roots can be traced to an early death, a grave, and thoughts of the
afterlife. Revolutionary War veteran Ed Sullivan brought his own tombstone up the
mountain from Rowan County. When he died in 1794, a coffin was hewn for him from
a . . . — — Map (db m229057) HM
Replacing a small frame church that was dedicated in 1886, the present sanctuary building was constructed over a seven-year period with chestnut timbers and local stone. Four historic stained glass windows honor past ministers including Reverend . . . — — Map (db m210545) HM
Owned by one of Blowing Rock's first seasonal cottagers after the Civil War, Confederate Major Henry F. Schenck, Jr. The Schencks were pioneer textile manufacturers from Cleveland County, NC. — — Map (db m242050) HM
The winter of 1962 was momentous for our town because we had strange snow.
This snow was different from any we had ever seen before. Visionary Bill
Thalheimer, the founder of Blowing Rock Ski Lodge (today's Appalachian Ski Mtn.)
created machine . . . — — Map (db m229052) HM
Established in 1955 by Sonny Klutz, the beloved Sonny's Grill was located on this site. The small concrete block building was the social epicenter for Blowing Rock for both locals and tourists alike for 54 years. The grill was famous for its ham . . . — — Map (db m210551) HM
This structure was built to serve as a tollhouse inn
for the Lenoir-Blowing Rock Turnpike.
Stagecoaches dropped passengers at the inn while
fresh horses were exchanged. The building was
relocated to its present site in the early 1900's.
. . . — — Map (db m229016) HM
The cornerstone was laid in 1918 and the church building was financed by a contribution from W.W. Stringfellow. Noted American artist, Elliott Daingerfield, painted and donated his work, “Madonna of the Hills” for which the church is named. . . . — — Map (db m210546) HM
For many years Coman Storie's soda shop was the
corner store of this two story structure with three
storefronts. Following the fire of 1923 the wooden
building was reconstructed of brick and had distinctive
textured glass transoms. The soda shop . . . — — Map (db m229166) HM
Sunset Manor was built in 1920 by Dr. W.B. Council, Sr., a physician and senator, who was instrumental in developing the Town of Boone. It was built on the site of “Sunset Rock,” at that time a popular spot for locals to view sunsets. The house, . . . — — Map (db m210572) HM
This 250 million year old cliff formation is
North Carolina's oldest travel attraction.
Located at 4,000 feet above sea level,
The Blowing Rock is the town's namesake.
The phenomenon is so called because
the rocky walls of the gorge form a . . . — — Map (db m43674) HM
Two decisions have been particularly crucial in shaping Blowing Rock's destiny.
The first of these was the decision by B.B. Dougherty to locate Watauga Academy (to
become Appalachian State University) in Boone rather than Blowing Rock. The
second . . . — — Map (db m229060) HM
Blowing Rock was forever changed in the 1890's when the “Denim King,” textile
magnate Moses H. Cone, purchased 3,500 acres to fulfill his boyhood dream to
construct and supervise an estate of his own design. On his magnificent site, Moses
and . . . — — Map (db m229061) HM
Tourism has been an important part of the story of Blowing Rock since the turn
of the century. Our first tourists were campers who pitched tents, built campfires,
and slept on the ground. Boarding houses, inns, and our first hotels followed. . . . — — Map (db m229069) HM
Tweetsie dates to 1882, when the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC) began operations in Johnson City, Tenn. In 1919, the railroad extended tracks to Boone, N.C. The ET&WNC added passenger service and brought lumber out of the . . . — — Map (db m210498) HM
The signature attraction of Tweetsie Railroad is narrow-gauge steam locomotive No. 12, built in 1917 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia for the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC). From 1918 to 1940, the ET&WNC – . . . — — Map (db m210540) HM
Improved roads raised tourism to a booming business, and locals quickly realized the town needed a formal government. Following the state legislature's incorporation of the Town of Blowing Rock in 1889, Joseph B. “Uncle” Joe Clarke was elected the . . . — — Map (db m229049) HM
The first hotel in Blowing Rock was located on the site of today's Memorial
Park. The Watauga Hotel was constructed in 1884. The two-story structure had a
splendid reputation and soon became the social hub of the village. Almost always . . . — — Map (db m229028) HM
Originally constructed as one of several cottages located on the Watauga Hotel property, the building contained two small rental units. This structure is the last remaining example of the group of cottages. Acquired in 1939 by the town, the hotel . . . — — Map (db m104693) HM
Built of Grandfather Mountain granite, the movie house opened in June of 1939 and continued to provide first-run movies to the community, during the summer months only, until 1979. The theater once hosted the world premiere of the movie, Spawn of . . . — — Map (db m210550) HM
In mid-August 1940, a hurricane stalled over western North
Carolina, drenching parts of Watauga County with more than
13 inches of rain in the span of three days. Ensuing floods
in the county on August 13 caused more than 2,000 . . . — — Map (db m210481) HM
Once located 10 yards northeast, Councill's Store was the area's first post office, established in 1823 and operated by Jordan Councill Jr. (1799-1875), a prominent merchant, livestock trader, and slaveholder. In 1849 the North Carolina legislature . . . — — Map (db m228925) HM
This 36½ acre tract of land was purchased in 1957 by the Town of Boone from James B. and Carrie W. Winkler with the stipulation it be used only for recreation, education, and historical purposes.
~ The Park includes ~
• An amphitheater for “Horn . . . — — Map (db m210493) HM
Native root valued in China for medicinal uses; long collected by locals. Wilcox Drug (est. 1900), among its exporters, operated 175 yds. SE. — — Map (db m95294) HM
This is the site of the Black cemetery which began as a burial ground for slaves of local landowner and storekeeper Jordan Councill. Since 1956, most members of the local Black community have been buried at Clarissa Hill Cemetery, west of the town. . . . — — Map (db m210482) HM
The Daniel Boone amphitheater at the end of the paved pathway to your night was built in 1952, home to the historic play “Horn in the West.” Kermit Hunter wrote this legacy outdoor drama, portraying events and battles of the Southern Campaign of . . . — — Map (db m210495) HM
On a raid through western North Carolina Gen. Stoneman's U.S. Cavalry Fought a skirmish with the Home Guard at Boone, March 28, 1865. — — Map (db m20352) HM
The Junaluska community is one of the
oldest, intact communities of color in
western North Carolina. Beginning with
a small, mixed-race population of free
and enslaved individuals who settled and
farmed the hillside between Boone and
Howard's . . . — — Map (db m210480) HM
this property
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
c. 1906 — — Map (db m228923) HM
In July 1863, Gov. Zebulon B. Vance created the Home Guard to protect communities and capture deserters, Unionists, and bushwhackers. The Guard was made up of men not liable for conscription because of age, health, and other reasons. Capt. Harvey . . . — — Map (db m100748) HM
This Property Was
Placed On The
National Register
Of Historic Places
June 18, 1998
By The United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m100750) HM
