MOUNTAIN GATEWAY MUSEUM
Mountain Gateway Museum interprets the colonial heritage of the North Carolina mountains. It also hosts two, large annual festivals; April's Pioneer Day followed by the Old Fort's Octoberfest on the first Saturday in October. It also hosts two bicycle races, the Off Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell and the Jerdon Mountain Challenge. The museum's main building was constructed during the 1930's under the Works Progress Administration. It's constructed primarily from local river rock. The site also includes two period log cabins interpreting the pioneer era.
Old Fort is designated as a N.C. Mountain Trout Town. Mountain Gateway Museum was an integral part of the town's designation because of its location on the banks of Mill Creek. The museum acts as the hub for visitors interested in trout fishing.
Old Fort is designated as a N.C. Mountain Trout Town. Mountain Gateway Museum was an integral part of the town's designation because of its location on the banks of Mill Creek. The museum acts as the hub for visitors interested in trout fishing.
Blue Ridge Parkway and Museum of North Carolina Minerals
Museum of North Carolina Minerals introduces the treasures found in the Spruce Pine Mining District through interactive displays on the wide variety of minerals and gems found in the region. Located at milepost 331 on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Gillespie Gap, the Museum provides an introduction to the importance of mining in the region and the mineral and gem wealth found here.
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The Carson House
Carson House, a massive three-story structure with log walls at its core, was built by two generations of Carsons. Colonel John Carson, an Irishman born in the Province of Ulster, arrived in the upper Catawba Valley during the days when revolution and Cherokee uprisings charged the Appalachian wilderness with danger.
History notes that Davy Crockett was a friend and visitor at Carson House. Likely another towering figure, Andrew Jackson, strode its halls. Events which would later transpire at the famed Alamo and in the struggle for Texas independence became topics of conversation at the dinner table. Endless stories remain within these walls—frontier politics and a duel for the sake of honor, gold-mining boom times, a Civil War siege, a rich African-American heritage still vibrant in the beautiful quilts in the Carson House collection—timeless tales just waiting to be told.
History notes that Davy Crockett was a friend and visitor at Carson House. Likely another towering figure, Andrew Jackson, strode its halls. Events which would later transpire at the famed Alamo and in the struggle for Texas independence became topics of conversation at the dinner table. Endless stories remain within these walls—frontier politics and a duel for the sake of honor, gold-mining boom times, a Civil War siege, a rich African-American heritage still vibrant in the beautiful quilts in the Carson House collection—timeless tales just waiting to be told.
Old Fort Depot, Railroad Museum & Visitor Center
Old Fort's train depot is in the heart of town. Located directly behind the historic "Arrowhead" it serves as a railroad museum and visitor center. Hours are Monday - Saturday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Click the link below to learn about the renovation process.
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