Topics Related to Historical Markers

Swannanoa Gap (N-32)

Used by Indians and pioneers in crossing Blue Ridge. General Rutherford's expedition against Cherokee passed here, September, 1776.

Frontier Fort (N-31)

Early outpost against Indians. Used by Gen. Rutherford in expedition against Cherokee, Sept., 1776. Stood nearby and gave name to this town.

Davenport College (N-30)

For women; chartered 1859 by Methodist Episcopal Church, South; merged with Greensboro College, 1933. Two bldgs. stand 100 ft. S.W.

Rutherford College (N-29)

Evolved from private school opened c. 1853 by R. L. Abernethy. Operated 1900-1933 by Methodist Church. Closed 1935. The original site 1.3 mi. N.

Waightstill Avery (N-28)

First attorney general of North Carolina, 1777-79, member provincial congresses, colonel in Revolution. "Swan Ponds," his home, was 3 mi. S.W.

Yancey Collegiate Institute (N-27)

A Baptist preparatory school, 1901-1926. Two of the buildings later used by public schools. 1/2 mile northeast.

Cathey's Fort (N-26)

A rendezvous for the North Carolina militia led by General Griffith Rutherford against the Cherokee in 1776, was one mile east.

Elliot Daingerfield 1859-1932 (N-25)

Artist, teacher, author. His paintings hang in the National Gallery, Metropolitan Museum, and other galleries. His home is here.

Collett Leventhorpe (N-24)

Confederate general, physician, author. Born in England, settled in North Carolina about 1847. Grave is 150 yds. north.

Appalachian State University (N-23)

Est. 1899 as Watauga Academy by B.B. and D.D. Dougherty. A campus of The University of North Carolina since 1972.