Things to do / Travel Guide
There is a tremendous amount of history in the southern Appalachian Mountains. There are historic towns and cities, battle sites from the Civil War, and preserved homesteads last inhabited in the late 19th century. Thomas Jefferson himself makes an important appearance in and around Charlottesville, Virginia.
The Civil War and the Shenandoah Valley
The Shenandoah Valley was strategically important going back to the Revolutionary War, for being the breadbasket of the entire mid-Atlantic section of the continent. Stonewall Jackson, the great Virginian general, presciently proclaimed that “If this Valley is lost, Virginia is lost.” Both the South and the North recognized the importance of western Virginia, and many a time the sides sought to settle its command.
The biggest battles occurred in spring 1862 and the warmer months of 1864. Stonewall Jackson's victories for the South in 1862 were nothing short of brilliant and were very successful, while the North were nevertheless carrying the day by the beginning of winter, 1864. To mark Stonewall Jackson's biggest victory, there is a monument and museum at New Market, along I-81.
The most important site connected with the Civil War is Appomattox Court House, where Robert E. Lee surrendered his forces to U.S. Grant on April 9th, 1865, effectively ending the war. Today there's a museum there, along with a number of artifacts such as uniforms and weaponry.
Take note: The name of the town in which the surrender took place was actually called “Appomattox Court House.” The two generals met at the home of one Wilmer McLean, two miles north of the town. Today the McLean House is where the museum and the artifacts are located.
The story of the McLean House is an interesting one, too. After the war it fell out of the control of the McLeans, and was eventually dismantled in the 1890s to be brought to Washington DC as an attraction. It never made it to Washington, though, and in 1950 it was reassembled in its old location and made the museum. In the interim period the dismantled house was vandalized, and the site became overgrown with weeds and was nearly forgotten.
Historic Sites in Charlottesville, Virginia and Jefferson's Monticello
Charlottesville, Virginia is a loaded with historic attractions from the early days of the United States. The sites are concentrated around downtown, especially at Court Square. Take a look at the Albemarle County Court House and imagine Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe discussing the future of the United States of America.
Another prominent meeting place for Presidents 3, 4, and 5 was Michie Tavern, founded in 1784. Today, historic artifacts are presented, along with living history attractions. And you can get an 18th century-style bite to eat at the Tavern's restaurant, The Ordinary (don't worry about the name; the food's is good and fresh).
James Madison and James Monroe also had their houses in the area - Montpelier and Ash Lawn respectively - but it's Jefferson whose estate outshines the rest. This is Monticello, which is almost as famous as the man himself. You might recognize it from the back of the 5-cent coin or $2 bill. You take a shuttle from the base of the estate to the top of the mountain, where a tour is given of the mansion, and of the surrounding buildings and gardens.
Jefferson designed the house as an expression of the Palladian ideal, and he subsequently incorporated details inspired by ruins he visited on his European trips. The dome especially is reminiscent of Greek temples. The estate was named a World Heritage Site in 1987, a distinction it shares with the nearby University of Virginia, which Jefferson helped design.
Asheville Historical Attractions
Asheville boasts a number of historical districts, its glory days crescendoing with the Roaring Twenties. Indeed, Asheville used to be a powerhouse of industry, learning, business, and fashion. A number of historical districts dot the landscape; these include:
- The Biltmore Estate, south of Asheville is the main draw in the area. The 250-room mansion is as big as one can imagine and is still owned by the Vanderbilt family. The estate is the primary source of income for the family of Bill Cecil Jr., great-grandson of George Washington Vanderbilt II.
- Chestnut Hill - This residential neighborhood dates to the turn of the 20th century. It was inhabited by not just the upper classes - the lower classes were also able to afford housing in the area.
- Montford - This is a specifically middle-class neighborhood, but with a wealth of architectural styles.
- Downtown Asheville - There are lots of old and beautiful churches downtown, and the county courthouse and city hall are also interesting from a historical perspective.
Historical Attractions in Great Smoky National Park
Cades Cove on the Tennessee side of the park is popular for both the scenery and its historic significance. The area is connected to the rest of the park by the Cades Cove Loop Road, which can be accessed on the Tennessee side from the towns of Gatlinburg, Townsend, Wear Cove and the ever-popular Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Sights representative of Appalachia in the 1800's include the John Oliver Cabin, the Primitive Baptist Church, the Becky Cable House, and Tipton Place.
South of Great Smoky National Park, at the southern end of Appalachian Mountains in South Carolina, is the historic town of Pendleton, South Carolina. Southern gentry used to spend summers in this area - today, buildings and plantations are open to visitors.
Historical Sites in Roanoke, Asheville, Smoky, Blue Ridge, Shenandoah and Southern Appalachian Mountains
Historical-Sites
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