Introduction to Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the convergence of the Swannanoe and French Broad rivers in Buncombe County. The city is known as a center for art for the region. Asheville has been recognized as one of the best cities to live in by various noteworthy sources. The city is home to one of the most prominent collections of Art Deco architecture in the country and is a popular destination for tourists.
History
The area known as Asheville had been home to the Cherokee Indians. In the year 1540 Hernando DeSoto, a Spanish explorer and his party arrived in the region and unfortunately brought with them diseases which significantly reduced the population of the native inhabitants. In 1797 Morristown was renamed Asheville as a tribute to the Governor of North Carolina, Samuel Ashe.
During the Civil War a large number of men from Asheville joined the Confederates and a significantly smaller group joined the Union. After the Civil War ended the city experienced economic difficulties. Beginning with the Great Depression and through the 1980s the city's economy grew very slowly. During the 1890s the town was recognized internationally as a prominent health resort. In 1916 Asheville was severely harmed by a noteworthy flood which was produced by a tropical storm.
Transportation
The city is served by the Asheville Regional Airport. Bus transportation is provided by the Asheville Transit System.
Architecture
- The renowned Biltmore Estate has the appearance of a French Renaissance chateau and is recognized as one of the biggest privately owned homes in the country and typically attracts more than a million visitors on an annual basis
- The art deco City Hall
- Battery Park Hotel
- The Jackson Building features Neo-Gothic style architecture
- The Smith-McDowell House is the oldest home in the city and is part of the National Register of Historic Places
- Grove Arcade
- Basilica of St. Lawrence
- Grove Park Inn is included in the National Register of Historic Places and is the location of a modern day spa
- The Historic Montford neighborhood features Victorian homes
- Biltmore Village
- YMI Cultural Center
Attractions
- Thomas Wolfe Memorial
- Asheville Art Museum
- Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
- Historic Hendersonville & Village of Flat Rock
- Historic Johnson Farm
- Museum of the Cherokee Indian
- Park Place Education, Arts & Science
- Riverside Cemetery
- Wheels Through Time Museum
Activities
- Asheville Ghost Trolley
- Asheville Historic Trolley Tours
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes passengers through river gorges and mountain tunnels
- Live music is prominent in the area and is part of the tourist based economy
- Water recreation activities are popular in the region, especially whitewater kayaking
- The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway
Higher Education
Asheville is home to South College, University of North Carolina at Asheville and the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
