Carson House (Marion, North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Carson House
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1805 Highway 70 West Marion, North Carolina |
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| Area | 9.07 acres (3.67 ha)( Including Round Hill Cemetery) |
| Built | c. 1793 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000843 |
| Added to NRHP | September 15, 1970 |
The Carson House is a historic house and museum located in Marion, North Carolina. It was once the home of Colonel John Carson. This important building also served as the first courthouse for McDowell County when the county was created in 1842.
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A Look at the Carson House
Built in 1793, the Carson House is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Marion. It was constructed using huge walnut logs. These logs were cut from trees found nearby at Buck Creek. This made it a very strong and large three-story plantation house.
Gold and County History
Between 1804 and 1827, the area that is now McDowell County was a big producer of gold. Many people came from all over the country hoping to find their fortune. This happened long before the famous California Gold Rush of 1849.
In 1843, an important meeting took place at Colonel John Carson's home. This meeting was held to officially create McDowell County. The new county was formed from parts of Burke and Rutherford counties. The county was named after Colonel Joseph McDowell. He was a hero of the American Revolution, famous for his role at the Battle of King's Mountain.
At first, the county leaders wanted to put the county seat (the main town) near the Carson House. However, to avoid disturbing the nearby plantation life, the Carson family decided to help. They donated 50 acres of land a few miles to the east. This land became the site for the new county seat, which is now Marion.
Famous Visitors and Life at the House
For many years, the Carson House was a busy place. It served as a stagecoach inn, where travelers could stop and rest. It was also a social center for the community. Many important historical figures visited the house. These included Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, and Andrew Jackson. It is said that Andrew Jackson even lost money gambling on horse races held at the Carson Plantation.
Dan Kanipe, one of only two survivors from General Custer's unit at the Battle of Little Bighorn, also lived in Marion. For some time, he even stayed at the Carson House.
Preservation and Museum
In the late 1800s, John Seawell Brown bought the property. He was a North Carolina State Senator who played a key role in creating McDowell County. The Brown family, for three generations, worked to preserve this historic home.
The Carson House was recognized for its historical importance in 1970. It was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
After a lot of restoration work, the house opened to the public in 1964. Today, it operates as a museum and a library. The Carson House has a special collection of research materials and books. It also holds many family histories. The Mary M. Greenlee Genealogical Research and History Room has been part of the house since the early 1970s. It is always adding new historical records. In 2007, the Carson House was also listed as a certified stop on the NC Civil War Trails Program.
Colonel John Hazzard Carson
John "Hazzard" Carson was an important figure in early North Carolina history. He served in the North Carolina militia during the American Revolution. His military service included several roles:
- In 1776, he became an ensign in the 2nd Rowan County Regiment.
- He served as a Forage Master, helping to supply food for the troops.
- He participated in skirmishes against Native Americans, including the Cherokee siege of McDowell's Station in 1776.
- He was involved in various Cherokee actions in 1777 and 1778.
- He later became a paymaster for the Burke County Regiment in 1782.
He likely earned the rank of colonel after the Revolutionary War ended.
