National Register Listing

Wolfe, Thomas, House

a.k.a. The Thomas Wolfe Memorial;The Old Kentucky Home

48 Spruce St., Asheville, NC
Local significance of the building:
Literature

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

literature architecture houses residential buildings
In the early 1900s, North Carolina was home to a thriving film industry, centered in the town of Wilmington. Many early silent films were shot in the state.
North Carolina random facts
Buncombe County, located in the western part of North Carolina, has a rich and vibrant history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee people, who had a thriving civilization in the region long before European settlers arrived.

The first European explorers arrived in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the late 18th century that Buncombe County was officially established. The county was named after Colonel Edward Buncombe, a Revolutionary War hero. Settlement in the area began to increase rapidly as pioneers migrated westward, attracted by the fertile land, scenic beauty, and abundant natural resources.

During the 19th century, Buncombe County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the Western North Carolina Railroad in the mid-1800s brought increased accessibility and economic opportunities to the area. Asheville, the county seat and largest city, became a popular destination for visitors seeking the cool mountain climate and natural beauty of the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Buncombe County benefited from the rise of the tourism industry, as wealthy individuals began building summer estates and luxurious hotels in the area. Asheville, in particular, became known for its grand architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the United States, was built in Asheville by George Vanderbilt and continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Today, Buncombe County is a thriving place with a diverse economy that includes tourism, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors. The county continues to embrace its rich history while looking toward the future with a focus on sustainable development and preserving the unique character of the region.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Buncombe County, North Carolina.

  • 1787 - Buncombe County is established and named after Edward Buncombe, a colonel in the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1803 - Asheville becomes the county seat of Buncombe County.
  • 1830 - The Buncombe Turnpike is completed, connecting Asheville to Tennessee and facilitating trade and settlement in the region.
  • 1861-1865 - Buncombe County supports the Confederacy during the American Civil War, with many residents serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1880s - The arrival of the railroad in Buncombe County sparks economic growth and development.
  • 1927 - Construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway begins, offering scenic views and attracting tourists to Buncombe County.
  • 1930s-1940s - The Great Depression and World War II bring significant challenges to the county's economy.
  • 1980s - Buncombe County experiences a revitalization with the growth of tourism, arts, and outdoor recreation.
  • 1995 - Asheville's historic Biltmore Estate celebrates its 100th anniversary as a popular tourist attraction.
  • 2013 - The Omni Grove Park Inn, a landmark hotel in Buncombe County, celebrates its 100th anniversary.