CIVIL WAR TRAIL MARKER and QUILT TRAIL TOUR AVERY COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

Avery County, North Carolina- The High Country is celebrating its heritage . At the historic Cranberry High School in Cranberry, North Carolina, is in honor the Cranberry Iron Ore Mines which the ore was mined, taken off the mountain and melted down into artillery for the armies. Take a stroll through historic Cranberry High School that is slowly being restored by the Cranberry Corp. Stop by and visit the Newland Museum open from 10 am to 2 pm. There is a Civil War exhibit, jail, and many other interesting exhibits. At the Charles A. Cannon Hospital in Linville, North Carolina learn about the Blalock family and their role in the Civil War. Mrs. Blalock wanted to be by her husband’s side during the Civil War, so she masqueraded as her husband’s brother…what a love story! The Banner House Museum in Banner Elk, North Carolina, this site marks the Banner Family, were the town gets its name. The Banner House is open from 10-4.

Visit the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce and pick up an Avery Arts Council Quilt Trail Map, head over to Fred’s Deli for breakfast, and then set off on your adventure through Avery County. Witness the beautiful scenery of our county and catch a glimpse of the many barns and other buildings adorned with quilt squares.

For more information about the Quilt Trail please visit Avery Arts Council’s website at http://www.averycountyartscouncil.org or call: 828-898-4292 For more information on lodging, accommodations and the Quilt Trail Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at www.beechmtn.com For more information about the Banner House Heritage Day please visit The Banner House Museum website at: www.bannerhousemuseum.org or call: 828-898-3634. For more information about the Civil War Markers or Avery County please visit: www.balconyoftheblueridge.com or call the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at 828-898-5605. Need lodging, a great place to stay and play? Visit our www.averycounty.com website or call the chamber office.

These markers have been funded in part by a grant by the North Carolina Division of Travel and Tourism Division and additional sponoership generously contributed by the Avery County Economic Development Commission which funded the Cranberry Iron Mines and the Blalock markers. The Banner Elk Tourism Development Association made possible the Banner Family Civil War Trail Marker.

These are a few photos taken on dedication day