National Register of Historic Places listings in Jackson County, North Carolina facts for kids

A map showing Jackson County in North Carolina.

Jackson County, North Carolina, is a beautiful area with a rich history! Many special places here are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a VIP list for buildings, areas, or objects that are super important to America's past. When a place is on this list, it means people want to protect it so future generations can learn from it.

This article shares some of the cool historic spots you can find in Jackson County. Each one has a unique story to tell about the people and events that shaped this part of North Carolina.

Historic Gems of Jackson County

Jackson County is home to many fascinating historic sites. These places range from old inns and churches to unique rock carvings, each telling a part of the county's story.

Balsam Mountain Inn

The Balsam Mountain Inn is a grand old hotel located in Balsam. It was built in 1908 and is known for its beautiful mountain views and classic charm. Imagine staying here over a hundred years ago! It's a great example of early 20th-century mountain resorts.

Camp Merrie-Woode

Near Cashiers, you'll find Camp Merrie-Woode, a historic summer camp for girls. It was established in 1919 and has been a place for young women to enjoy nature and learn new skills for decades. It's a district, meaning a whole area with many historic buildings.

Church of the Good Shepherd

The Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers is a lovely old church. It was built in 1895 and is a wonderful example of mountain architecture from that time. It's a peaceful place with a long history in the community.

Downtown Sylva Historic District

The Downtown Sylva Historic District is an entire area in Sylva that is recognized for its historic buildings. This district includes many of the old shops and buildings that make up the heart of downtown Sylva. It shows how the town grew and changed over time, especially around the old Southern Railroad.

Jackson County Courthouse

The Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva is a very important building. Built in 1914, it's where many important decisions for the county have been made for over a hundred years. Its classic design makes it a landmark in Sylva.

Judaculla Rock

One of the most unique historic sites is Judaculla Rock near Cullowhee. This large soapstone boulder has mysterious carvings, called petroglyphs, made by Native Americans long ago. It's a very special place with deep cultural meaning, and many legends are told about it. It was added to the National Register in 2013.

Elias Brendle Monteith House and Outbuildings

In Dillsboro, the Elias Brendle Monteith House and Outbuildings offer a glimpse into farm life from the past. This property includes the main house and other smaller buildings that were part of a working farm. It shows how families lived and worked in the area many years ago.

The Jarrett House

Also in Dillsboro, The Jarrett House (also known as the Mount Beulah Hotel) is another historic inn. It was built in 1884 and is one of the oldest hotels in the region. It has welcomed travelers for generations, offering a taste of old-fashioned hospitality.

Webster's Historic Buildings

The town of Webster has several historic places on the list, showing its importance in the county's past. These include:

• Lucius Coleman Hall House: An old house that tells a story of early residents.
• Elisha Calor Hedden House: Another historic home, showing the architecture of its time.
• Walter E. Moore House: A significant house from Webster's history.
• Webster Baptist Church: A church that has served the community since 1889.
• Webster Methodist Church: Another historic church, built in 1888, showing the religious life of the town.
• Webster Rock School: This school, built in 1936, is a great example of the "rock" style of architecture popular in the mountains. It educated many students over the years.

High Hampton Inn Historic District

The High Hampton Inn Historic District near Cashiers is a large area that includes the famous High Hampton Inn. This inn and its surrounding property have been a popular mountain retreat for many years, offering beautiful scenery and a historic atmosphere. It was added to the National Register in 1991.

Dr. D. D. Hooper House

The Dr. D. D. Hooper House in Sylva is a historic home that belonged to an important local doctor. Built in 1906, it's a beautiful example of early 20th-century residential architecture in the town.

Mordecai Zachary House

The Mordecai Zachary House near Cashiers is another historic home. Built around 1850, it's one of the oldest surviving structures in the area and gives us a look at what homes were like in the mid-1800s.

Places No Longer Standing

Sometimes, even historic places can be lost. Two properties that were once on the National Register in Jackson County are no longer standing:

• Fairfield Inn: This inn in Cashiers was listed in 1982 but has since been demolished.
• Joyner Building: Located on the Western Carolina University Campus in Cullowhee, this building was listed in 1978 but later burned down.

Even though these buildings are gone, their history is still remembered and recorded.

Images for kids

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  The historic Balsam Mountain Inn.

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  A view of Camp Merrie-Woode.

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  The Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers.

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  A street view of Downtown Sylva.

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  The Fairfield Inn, which is no longer standing.

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  The High Hampton Inn.

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  The Dr. D. D. Hooper House.

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  The Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva.

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  The Joyner Building, which burned down.

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  The ancient Judaculla Rock.

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  The Elias Brendle Monteith House.

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  The Jarrett House in Dillsboro.

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  The Webster Baptist Church.

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  The Webster Methodist Church.

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  The historic Webster Rock School.

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  The Mordecai Zachary House.