Topics Related to Historical Markers

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.

Thomas Dixon, Jr. 1864-1946 (O-72)

Minister, politician, & author. Film "Birth of a Nation" was based on his novel The Clansman. Grave is 1500 ft. N.

W. J. Cash 1900-1941 (O-71)

Author of The Mind of The South. Editor & journalist. His grave is located 1600 ft. N.

Concordia College 1881-1935 (O-70)

Lutheran. A precursor of Lenoir-Rhyne College; burned, 1935. Church now on site 1 block south.

St. Joseph's (O-69)

Built in 1843 for Irish immigrant gold miners. Fourth Catholic church built in state. This is the original building.

M. L. McCorkle 1817-1899 (O-68)

Superior Court judge; a founder of Catawba College; state senator & Confederate colonel. His home stood here.

Daniels Church (O-67)

Evangelical Lutheran. Organized in 1774. J. G. Arndt was first regular minister; Philip Henkel assistant. This building, 1888, is third on site.

William A. Hoke 1851-1925 (O-66)

Chief justice 1 year & assoc. justice 20 yrs., N.C. Supreme Court. Superior court judge 13 yrs. Birthplace stood here.