Historical Markers in
Buncombe County, North Carolina

1st U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery André Michaux Appalachian Stage Ashe Monument Asheville Normal School Asheville's Enslaved People Battery Porter Battle of Asheville Battle of Asheville Biltmore Dairy Bar Biltmore House Bingham School Birthplace of American Forestry Black Mountain College Brick Artisan Brothers In Service Buncombe County Court House Buncombe Turnpike Caney (Canie) Brown House Civic Pride Comings and Goings Confederate Armory Crossroads Daniel K. Moore David L. Swain Dr. L.B. McBrayer Electric Streetcars Elizabeth Blackwell, M.D. Ellington's Dream Flat Iron Architecture Flood of 1916 Forster A. Sondley Francis Asbury Frederick Law Olmsted French Broad River Gen. William J. Palmer Geodesic Domes George Winslow Whittington Historic Hilltop Home Place of Capt. Wm. Moore Hotel District Hustle and Bustle Immortal Image In Honor of Markus and Maria Reich Jeter C. Pritchard Jimmie Rodgers Joseph Lane Kiffin Y. Rockwell Landsman Riley Powers Legacy of Design Lillian Exum Clement Stafford Locke Craig Montreat College Monument Corner Mount Mitchell Railroad Newton Academy O. Henry Olive Tilford Dargan Past and Promise Private George Avery Rattlesnake Lodge Richmond Pearson Riverside Cemetery Rutherford Trace Rutherford Trace Rutherford Trace Separate, Not Equal Sherrill's Inn Slavery by Another Name Smith-McDowell House St. Genevieve ~ Of ~ The ~ Pines Stepping Out Stoneman's Raid Stoneman's Raid Sulphur Springs Swannanoa Gap Swannanoa Gap Engagement Swannanoa Tunnel The Center of It All The County of Buncombe The Early Years In Asheville's Historic Central Square The Old Depot Association The Quilt Garden The Town of Black Mountain The University of North Carolina at Asheville Thomas Wolfe Thomas Wolfe House / Dixieland To Honor the Revolutionary Soldiers Trinity Episcopal Church Up to Black Mountain Walk Into History War with Spain Warren Wilson College Wartime Jail Weaver College Western North Carolina Veterans Memorial William Moore Young Men’s Institute Zebulon B. Vance Zebulon Baird Vance Zelda Fitzgerald "End of Car Line" "The Block"
The largest natural sound in the world, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, is located in North Carolina. It stretches over 70 miles along the state's Outer Banks.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.