Topics Related to Historical Markers

Sam J. Ervin, Jr. 1896-1985 (N-49)

U.S. Senator, 1954-1974; led Senate Watergate Committee, 1973-1974; judge. His law office was one block west.

Stanley Harris 1882-1976 (N-48)

Boy Scouts of America leader. Founded Scouts’ Interracial Service in 1926. Lived 100 yds. N.

Fort San Juan (N-47)

Built by Juan Pardo in 1567 at native town of Joara. Served as Spanish outpost until razed by Indians, 1568. NE 4 mi.

Penland School (N-46)

Founded 1929 by Lucy Morgan (1889-1981) to promote traditional crafts including pottery, metalworking and weaving. Campus 1 mile S.W.

Spruce Pine Mining District (N-45)

Mica, feldspar, quartz deposits found in region 25 mi. long, 10 mi. wide. Commercial production of mica emerged 1850s.

Crossnore School (N-44)

Founded by Mary Martin Sloop, physician, 1913, to serve region's youth. Weaving Room, est. 1920, boosted revival of handicrafts. Campus 1/2 mi. W.

Lees-McRae College (N-43)

Presbyterian. Founded in 1900 by Edgar Tufts. Named for teacher Elizabeth McRae & benefactor Mrs. S. P. Lees. Senior college since 1988.

Emily Prudden 1832-1917 (N-42)

Missionary. Founded 15 western N.C. schools including Pfeiffer College forerunner. Her Skyland Institute stood here.

Cane Creek (N-41)

Prelude to the Battle of Kings Mountain. Site of a skirmish on Sept. 12, 1780, between Loyalists and "Overmountain Men."

N.C. School for the Deaf (N-40)

Opened 1894 under superintendent Edward McKee Goodwin. Main building designed by A. G. Bauer.