Buncombe – Another historical marker from Broadway is the one for Buncombe Turnpike, which reads: “Opened up western N.C. Built, 1824-28; the 75-mi. long route from S.C. line to Tenn. line, used by settlers & livestock drovers, passed nearby.”
In the early 19th century, the rugged and panoramic landscapes of Western North Carolina held untapped potential. Nestled within this breathtaking terrain was a region rich in resources and economic promise, yet it remained isolated due to its challenging topography. However, the dreams of progress and prosperity would not be stymied by these imposing mountains. Enter the Buncombe Turnpike, a feat of engineering and ambition that transformed this remote region into a thriving hub of commerce and culture.
The idea of a turnpike, or a toll road, connecting the interior of North Carolina to the bustling port city of Charleston, South Carolina, was not new. Early settlers and traders had longed for a reliable route through the treacherous Appalachian Mountains. But it was the determined spirit of a group of visionaries in the early 19th century that breathed life into this ambitious project.
In 1824, a forward-thinking legislator from Buncombe County, David L. Swain, sponsored a groundbreaking bill with a singular aim: to lay the foundation for a transformative turnpike road. This ambitious project was designed to connect the Saluda Gap, a gateway to the untamed wilderness of Western North Carolina, with the Tennessee state line.
Besides Swain, the two other visionaries behind this endeavor were James Patton and Samuel Chunn, who were entrusted with selling $50,000 worth of company stock to fund the road’s construction. To further support this grand undertaking, toll collection stations were strategically placed along its length.
Historical accounts differ on the precise year of the Buncombe Turnpike’s completion, with some sources indicating 1827 and others 1828. But in 1827, the North Carolina General Assembly authorized the construction of a road from the South Carolina border, specifically from Greenville, to the eastern part of Buncombe County, near Asheville. This road, known as the Buncombe Turnpike, was envisioned as a gateway to unlock the region’s economic potential by facilitating trade and commerce.
Construction of the Buncombe Turnpike commenced in earnest. The route was carefully selected to navigate the challenging terrain while providing safe passage for travelers and goods. This undertaking was not without its challenges, as builders faced rugged mountains, dense forests, and unpredictable weather conditions. However, their unwavering determination prevailed.
As documented by Forster A. Sondley in 1930, the Buncombe Turnpike’s path can still be traced today. South of Asheville, it closely mirrors the route of present-day US 25 Business, traversing through Flat Rock and Hendersonville. Within south Asheville, the road ascended a ridge, passing by the Biltmore School building, Saint Joseph’s Hospital, and eventually leading to Pack Square. From there, it followed the eastern bank of the French Broad River, rambling past Beaver Dam, Reems, Flat, Ivy, and Laurel Creeks before arriving at Paint Rock and the Tennessee state line.
The turnpike was not just a simple dirt road but a testament to early American engineering. It featured bridges, corduroy roads (constructed of logs), and well-graded surfaces, making it one of the most advanced road systems of its time. Renowned for its sturdy construction and meticulous upkeep, this highway was considered the finest of its era in the state.
The impact of the Buncombe Turnpike on the commerce and development of Western North Carolina was nothing short of remarkable. This mountainous region, long isolated from the rest of the state, saw the floodgates of settlement thrown open. Regular stagecoach routes and reliable mail delivery services were established.
The burgeoning resort business began to flourish, attracting visitors eager to experience the region’s natural beauty. Other roads naturally sprouted to connect with the turnpike, further enhancing connectivity.
The turnpike’s influence extended to agriculture as well, with the transportation of fowl and livestock to markets in Charleston and Augusta becoming a common sight along its route. The demand for corn surged to feed the countless droves of animals passing through.
If you think heavy traffic was something to come along in the last 20 years, you’d be wrong. By 1849, one traveler reported sharing the turnpike in the south of Asheville with an astonishing 5,000 hogs and seventy-five people for company. The heavy traffic necessitated periodic repairs, eventually leading to sections being converted into plank roads.
However, like all great chapters in transportation history, the era of the Buncombe Turnpike eventually gave way to new innovations. In the postwar period, the railroad, which followed a similar route from South Carolina to Tennessee, emerged as the dominant commercial transportation artery. While the turnpike was relegated to the annals of history, it left an enduring legacy as a testament to the human spirit of progress and determination.