Topics Related to Historical Markers

Chimney Rock (O-82)

Granite monolith. Site acquired by Lucius Morse in 1902. Developed into tourist attraction. State park, 2007. One mi. S.

Loray Strike (O-81)

A strike in 1929 at the Loray Mill, 200 yards S., left two dead and spurred opposition to labor unions statewide.

Piedmont Wagon Company (O-80)

Manufacturer of horse-drawn wooden wagons. At peak capacity produced 1000 per month. Operated from 1880 to 1940s 1/10 mile north.

Michael Hoke 1874-1944 (O-79)

Pioneer orthopedic surgeon; founded hospitals for crippled children; chief surgeon of Warm Springs (Ga.) Foundation. Birthplace 80 yds. east.

North Carolina Orthopedic Hospital (O-78)

State institution for disabled children, 1921-1979. R. B. Babington was its first president; O. L. Miller, founding surgeon.

Tryon Mountain (O-77)

Landmark on Cherokee boundary, negotiated by Gov. William Tryon and Cherokee chiefs, 1767. Elevation 3,231 feet.

Stuart W. Cramer 1868-1940 (O-76)

Engineer and inventor. Pioneered advances in textile mill air conditioning. Home 3 mi. SW.

Mount Harmony United Methodist Church (O-75)

Congregation organized by 1791. Cemetery and present building, the church's fourth, are one mile west.

Pottery Industry (O-74)

Begun in 18th century by Hartsoe, Hilton, Johnson, Propst, Ritchie, Seagle, and Reinhardt families living in 4 mi. radius.

Saluda Grade (O-73)

The steepest, standard gauge, mainline railway grade in the U.S. Opened in 1878; three mi. long. Crests here.