After NC’s gold rush in the early 1800s, jeweler Christopher Bechtler opened a private mint. By 1837, he’d minted $2.4 million in coins from local gold, including the first $1 gold coin in the U.S.
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Archives for Historic Sites
Historic Carson House
A rare example of an Up-Country plantation house, this was home to the Carson family which played a prominent role in politics and society during the 18th and 19th centuries.
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Orchard at Altapass, Blue Ridge Parkway
More than 100 years old, this working apple orchard is also a place where mountain music can be heard during the warm season with dancing, performances, and jams.
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Rural Heritage Museum
The stories of the history, the people, and life ways of the Southern Appalachians are told in the exhibits at the Rural Heritage Museum on the campus of Mars Hill University.
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Waldensian Heritage Museum
Retrace the lives and journey of the Waldenses, a religious body in Italy which immigrated to America to escape persecution and founded the community of Valdese in 1893.
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Thomas Wolfe Memorial
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site preserves the childhood home of one of the giants of American literature and showcases his life and writing.
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Biltmore Estate
General Heritage.
Arts & Crafts, Asheville, Exhibits, Historic Sites, Museums, Outdoor Recreation, and Scenic Views.
Arts & Crafts, Asheville, Exhibits, Historic Sites, Museums, Outdoor Recreation, and Scenic Views.
Elegant architecture, manicured gardens, a winery, restaurants, hotels, shops, and special events make a visit to “America’s Largest Home” a memorable experience.
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Old Wilkes Jail
Tom “Dooley” Dula, the subject of the well-known folksong, was one of many colorful characters to be incarcerated in the historic 19th century jail, part of the Wilkes Heritage Museum.
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Tweetsie Railroad
Locomotive #12, built in 1917, takes visitors around a 3-mile loop in North Carolina’s first theme park. Tweetsie offers Wild West fun for the whole family.
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Original Mast General Store
Opened in 1883, the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis is still in full operation, with old-timey goods and candies on shelves side-by-side with contemporary merchandise.
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