Old Fort is all about escape, whether it’s deep into the woods on a trail or into the past in a museum. A weekend in Old Fort offers a diverse mix of history, hiking, and hucking.Day 1Morning
Topics Related to McDowell County
Survived Battle of Little Bighorn, 1876. A soldier in 7th U.S. cavalry, he witnessed defeat of Geo. A. Custer. Lived here.
Prelude to the Battle of Kings Mountain. Site of a skirmish on Sept. 12, 1780, between Loyalists and "Overmountain Men."
Built ca. 1885 to mark railroad gateway to the Blue Ridge Mts. Restored in 1911 & 1975. Named for A. B. Andrews of Raleigh. Located 2.1 miles north.
Served 1843-1845 as the seat of McDowell County government. Home of Col. John Carson and his sons, Jonathan L., Samuel P., William, & Joseph McD. Now a historical museum.
Early outpost against Indians. Used by Gen. Rutherford in expedition against Cherokee, Sept., 1776. Stood nearby and gave name to this town.
A rendezvous for the North Carolina militia led by General Griffith Rutherford against the Cherokee in 1776, was one mile east.
Home of Joseph McDowell (1758-1795), soldier and physician. Officer at the Battle of Kings Mountain.