HISTORY

Museums Tryon

Tryon History Museum

& Visitor Center

26 Maple St., 828-440-1116

Tryonhistorymuseum.org

From its early role as a colonial outpost on the edge of Indian territory to present day, Tryon has produced and welcomed numerous figures of cultural, artistic and historical note, and has preserved dozens of places and traditions for posterity. You can learn all about Tryon’s people and places at the History Museum, open Wednesday through Saturday,1:30-4 p.m., or, by attending the popular speaker series “Tales of Tryon.” The museum is the place to learn about the authors, actors, poets, entrepreneurs, equestrian pioneers, architects, sports legends, and more who called Tryon home. While you’re there, visit the gift shop for T-shirts, books, glassware and more souvenirs.

Columbus

Polk County Historical Association Museum

60 Walker St., 828-894-3351

Polknchistory.org

A history buff’s delight, this museum promotes, advances, encourages and cultivates public and private interest in the history, archives and memoirs of Polk County. Thousands of historical pictures, artifacts, articles and maps are preserved at the museum, and volunteers are constantly engaged with government offices, business and civic groups, churches and individuals to promote our local history. The museum features a growing genealogy library with family histories and reference books, and through its oral history project, the life stories of some of Polk’s oldest residents have now been preserved. With organized field trips, a regular speaker series, and historical re-enactors, the museum brings history to life! Open Thursday from 10 am - 1 pm, and Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm. Free admission. Gift shop. Entrance at rear of building.

House of Flags Museum

33 Gibson St.

828-894-5640

Houseofflags.org

This unique educational museum opened on Sept. 8, 2001 in response to a local citizen’s desire to instill respect and etiquette for the flag of the United States of America. As the flag collection grew to over 300 different flags, the history education role of the museum also grew. All flags are full-size faithful reproductions accompanied with detailed descriptions of their story. And, every flag has a story to tell. The museum features flags from the nation’s founding, WWI and WWII, and various states, in addition to presidential, veterans and 9/11 flags. Self-guided tours or narrated tours are available in this fully handicap accessible facility in downtown Columbus. The museum is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm. Free admission, but donations are accepted. Gift shop.

Saluda

Saluda Historic Depot

32 W. Main St., 828-769-9016

SaludaHistoricDepot.com

The history and development of Saluda has been intertwined with the completion of the railroad connecting Spartanburg with Asheville since 1878, so it is fitting that the town’s history museum is located in its beautifully renovated train depot. Located in a prominent location at the top of the Saluda Grade (the steepest, mainline standard gauge railroad in the country), the depot museum features interesting exhibits, regular “Train Tales” programs, and fascinating train memorabilia. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 12-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm and some holidays. Admission is free, voluntary donations are appreciated.

Historical Points Of Interest Tryon

Sidney Lanier: Southern poet, died in this house. September 7, 1881. Marker is on Lynn Road (NC Hwy. 108) east of Mimosa Inn Lane. 35° 13.657’ N, 82° 14.149’ W

Stoneman’s Raid: On a raid through western North Carolina Gen. Stoneman’s U.S Cavalry fought Southern Troops at Howard’s Gap. 4 Mi. North, April 22, 1865. Marker is at the intersection of Lynn Road (NC Hwy. 108) and Old Howard Gap Rd. and Story Rd. 35° 13.72’ N, 82° 14.017’ W

The Block House: Early landmark, western terminus of the 1772 boundary survey between N.C. and S.C. Stood 1/2 mile east. Marker is on S. Trade St (U.S. 176), just north of the North and South Carolina Line. 35° 11.836’ N, 82° 13.708’ W

The Tryon Horse: Symbol of town. Larger first version with tree-trunk legs was built 1928 for parade at Tryon Riding & Hunt Club show by two boys employed at Tryon Toy Makers. This scaleddown replica is latest version. Represents nationally-famous handcrafted miniature horse-onwheels first made in 1916 and designed by Toy Makers founder Eleanor Vance (1869-1954). Marker is at the intersection of South Trade St. (U.S. 176) and Pacolet St. 35° 12.507’ N, 82° 14.293’ W

Tryon Mountain: Landmark on Cherokee boundary, negotiated by Gov. William Tryon and Cherokee Chief, 1776. Elevation 3,231 feet. Marker is at the intersection of Skyuka Rd. and Lynn Rd. (NC Hwy. 108) on Skyuka Road. 35° 13.93’ N, 82° 13.831’ W

Tryon Toy House: Constructed 1925 as retail showroom and office for Tryon Toy Makers and Wood Carvers, famous craft enterprise founded by Charlotte Yale and Eleanor Vance in 1915. Designed by Tryon architect J. Foster Searles to evoke the European inspiration for distinctive style of Tryon toys and woodcraft. Eleanor Roosevelt delivered her Fourth of July speech in 1934 from the front terrace. Marker is at the intersection of North Trade St. (U.S. 176) and East Howard St. 35° 12.672’ N, 82° 14.453’ W

Nina Simone birthplace and childhood home: Numerous preservation partners are working to preserve the singer and Civil Rights activist’s birthplace, a three-room, wood clapboard home located at E. Livingston St. and Fred Lyles Circle. Closed to the public. Take your picture with a larger-than-life sculpture of Simone at her keyboard on S. Trade St. at the Nina Simone Plaza. NinaSimoneProject.org.

Columbus

“Old Bill” Williams: Wellknown guide and trapper. Helped survey Santa Fé Trail. Guided the ill-fated Fremont expedition of 1848. Was born near here in 1787. Marker is on E. Mills Street (NC Hwy 108) near Hampton St. 35° 15.107’ N, 82° 11.924’ W

Dr. Columbus Mills: In Honor of Dr. Columbus Mills, Planter and Physician, “Father of Polk County”, After a ten-year effort to create a new county from parts of Henderson and Rutherford Counties, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation, thanks to Dr. Columbus Mills’ efforts, that created Polk County on January 20, 1855. The County Seat, Columbus, was named in his honor. Dr. Mills served in the North Carolina Senate from 1846-1857, and 18954-1857, and the Council of State in 1852 and 1858. Marker is on E. Mills St. on courthouse grounds. (NC Hwy. 108). 35° 15.121’ N, 82° 11.896’ W

Battle of Round Mountain: In Commemoration of the 1776 Battle of Round Mountain (located Northwest of here) in which Captain Thomas Howard with his brave followers and and faithful Indian guide, Skyuka, won the battle against the Cherokee. Relocated by Polk County Historical Association 2007. Marker is on corner of E. Mills St. (NC Hwy. 108) and Hampton St.

Polk County WWI Memorial Marker: This monument marks this highway that we dedicate to the memory of Levi Butler, Jessie Lewis, Wallace Lankford, Zibo Wilson, Lawson Williams, Ralph Walker, Columbus Donstant who paid the supreme sacrifice for their home and country and also all those who served in the World War from Polk County, North Carolina. This monument was erected by the School Children and patriotic citizens of the county. Marker is at the intersection of Court House St. and E. Mills St. (NC Hwy. 108). 35° 15.095’ N, 82° 11.937’ W

North Carolina: Colonized, 1585-87 by First English settlers in America; permanently settled c. 1650; first to vote readiness for independence, Apr. 12, 1776. Marker is near Kross Keys, NC in Polk County. Marker is on NC Hwy. 9. Just north of the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. 35° 11.381’ N, 82° 2.902’ W

Tryon’s March: Governor William Tryon, with a body of militia en route to survey the Cherokee boundary line, camped near this spot June 7, 1767. Marker is in Kross Keys, NC in Polk County. Marker is on NC Hwy. 9, on the right when traveling south. Just north of the North Carolina/ South Carolina state line. 35° 11.385’ N, 82° 2.907’ W.

Saluda

Saluda Grade: The steepest, standard gauge,mainline railway grade in the U.S. Opened in 1878; three mi. long. Crests here. Marker is on W. Main Street (U.S. 176).

35° 14.171’ N, 82° 20.933’ W

Pacolet River Scenic Byway: You could take Interstate 26 between Saluda and Tryon for a quicker trip down the mountain, but why? Instead, experience the official NC Scenic Byway of Hwy. 176. Paralleling the railroad tracks of the famous Saluda Grade, the slow and winding route passes old railroad depots, log cabins, the old Orchard Inn, roadside waterfalls, and Pearson’s Falls Glen.

Landrum

Earle’s Ford & Fort: Erected By Cowpens Chapter D.A.R. to the Memory of The Valiant Defenders of Earle’s Ford and Fort, July 15, 1780. Marker is on Landrum Rd (SC Hwy. 14), on the left when traveling north. 35° 11.121’ N, 82° 9.133’ W

Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway: SC Hwy. 11 passes through five Upstate counties, but some of its most impressive vistas lie in the Campobello/Gowensville area. Traveling through the South Carolina mountain foothills will transport you to a time when American Indians hunted and traded in the area, and you’ll understand why the Cherokee name for the Appalachian mountains was “The Great Blue Hills of God.”

Rutherfordton

Overmountain Men: On Oct. 5, 1780, about 1400 militia, including many riflemen, camped 1 mi. S. at Alexander’s Ford and there turned toward Kings Mountain. Marker is on NC Hwy. 108 at County Line Rd., east of Mill Spring.

Since 1975

, the Polk County Community Foundation has been dedicated to advancing philanthropy and improving the quality of life for all citizens in the community centered in and around Polk County, North Carolina. The Foundation receives charitable donations of all sizes from community members and then distributes grants to area nonprofits, awards scholarships to local students, manages endowment funds for local nonprofits, and administers other funds tailored to the specific charitable wishes of individual donors. 255 South Trade Street Tryon, NC 28782 828-859-5314 polkccf.org

 Green River Plantation: Late in April 1865, Green River Plantation received uninvited guests: a detachment of U.S. cavalrymen, likely part of Col. William J. Palmer’s brigade of Stoneman’s raiders. Hungry men and horses in need of forage filled the yard. According to family tradition, horses quartered in the house left footprints in the parlor floor. Marker is at 6333 Coxe Road, Rutherfordton NC 28139. 35° 17.085’ N, 82° 1.194’ W.

Veterans Parks Columbus

Veterans Park: Memorial plaques for each of the US wars from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm. Memorial fountain with bricks honoring family and friends that served and flags of each of the branches of the US military. Charters of Freedom Installation, with copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Corner of Gibson St. and Ward St.

Saluda

Veterans Memorial Park: This memorial was established to give honor and special commendation to all men and women of the Saluda area who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Memorial is at the intersection of Greenville St. and Irving St. 35° 14.132’ N, 82° 20.947’ W

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