Part 2: The Unanswered Questions of Shelton Laurel
Dan Slagle's presentation on the Shelton Laurel Massacre details the varying accounts of the number of raiders, Colonel Allen's involvement, the identities of the victims, the method of killing, and the accountability of Lt. Col. James A. Keith, who was eventually acquitted and escaped jail.
Slagle Unveiling the Shelton Laurel Massacre
The Shelton Laurel Massacre saw conflicting reports on the number of raiders involved, the presence of Colonel Allen, the identities of the victims, and the accountability of those responsible, highlighting the chaotic and brutal nature of the event.
Newton Academy Marks First Education in WNC
Still in the Biltmore area this week, our next historic marker is located at the corner of Biltmore Avenue and Unadilla Avenue in Asheville. The marker reads: Established before 1793 as Union Hill Academy. Named for Rev. George Newton. Present Newton Academy School is the fourth building on this site. The origins of Newton Academy […]
Making Biltmore House A Lasting Legacy of Vanderbilt
Called “America’s Finest Home,” this week’s historical marker celebrates the area’s best-known tourist attraction, the Biltmore House. The marker, located off McDowell as you enter the estate, reads: “Designed for George W. Vanderbilt by Richard M. Hunt. Constructed, 1890-1895. Opened to the public, 1930. Three miles west.” As the historical sketch outlines, George Washington Vanderbilt, […]
The Flood Of 1916 Remembered
The 1916 flood in Asheville, triggered by two hurricanes, devastated western North Carolina, causing unprecedented destruction, claiming approximately eighty lives, and leading to massive rebuilding efforts, while leaving a lasting impact on the community's infrastructure and history.
A Dark History Chapter in County’s History
For this week’s history article, we are departing from the state’s historical markers and going to one that was placed in the Pack Square area of downtown Asheville in 2021 by several agencies. Buncombe Community Remembrance Project, the MLK Association of Asheville, and Buncombe County joined with the Equal Justice Initiative by, placing the “Lynchings […]
Masa Leaves Legacy In Mountains
Down on Pack Square in the heart of downtown Asheville, there is this historical marker – “George Masa – a Japanese photographer. Born Masahara Iizuka. Advocate of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Appalachian Trail. His studio was nearby.” George Masa, born Masahara Iizuka in Osaka, Japan, has an uncertain birth year, with records suggesting […]
The Allen School: Educating African Americans in Western North Carolina
This state historical marker is located on College Street near Oak Street, in Asheville, and reads, “Allen School – Established in 1887 to educate African Americans in western N.C. Emerged as residential preparatory school for Black women. Was 1/3 mi. E until 1974.” According to the historical sketch accompanying the marker on the state website, […]
Clement: A Pioneer for Women in Politics
Lillian Exum Clement Stafford was the first female legislator in the South, elected to the North Carolina House in 1920, and her pioneering spirit and legislative accomplishments paved the way for future generations of women in politics.
From Farm School To Progressive Education
The marker reads: “Founded in 1894 by the Presbyterian Church as Asheville Farm School. A four-year college since 1966. 1 1/2 mi. E.” Its location is on the side of US 70 at Warren Wilson Road, west of Swannanoa. Of course, the sign is talking about Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa Valley. However, it started […]