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Asheville History, North Carolina

Asheville is a great historical city located in the state of Carolina. It was discovered by a Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto in 1540. Early settlers of this area were the Scotch-Irish Immigrants and most of them came from Ireland. Samuel W. Davidson was among the first settlers who moved into this area in 1784.

In 1643, Asheville emerged as a great trading route. Early traders followed the established India routes. Up to 1776, a permanent settlement was formed into this area known as “Eden Land”.

On December 5, 1791 a county of Buncombe was established by a legislature act. In 1793, a courthouse was constructed at Pack Square point. In the next year, John Burton established a settlement called Morristown. In 1797, it was incorporated and named Asheville.

Governor Samuel Ashe was honoured when Asheville was named after him. In 1860, Asheville’s population was of 1100 people and it increased to 61,000 people till 1980.

1828 a famous road was constructed along with the French Broad River. It led to the movement of the settlers through Asheville. Herds of cattle, hogs and sheep moved to South Carolina.

In 1851, Asheville and Greenville Plank Road was constructed which led to the increase in population and industrial development of this area. The wealthiest people from the other states began to move in this area and Asheville emerged as a famous health resort.

Asheville also served as a Confederate military centre when the war between the US sates broke out. Being a military base, many weapon factories were established here. The industry of Enfield Rifles flourished in Asheville. In 1878, Asheville acquired the nick name “The Land Of The Sky”. Soon it got the attention of thousands of people and it led to the increase in the popularity of Asheville.

In 1880 a new era of development was started when a railroad was established here. Luxurious hotels, villas, theatres and parks were built and Asheville emerged as a great tourist spot in North Carolina.

Grand opera houses, religious places and Battery Park were established here. A newly built chamber of commerce “Asheville Board of Trade” was established which made Asheville a leading convention city in North Carolina. In the beginning of the 19th century, a new wave of luxurious hotels was started.

During the same time the focus was on natural attractions and they were promoted to attract tourists. The Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make Ashville one of the most popular recreational areas in Asheville.

Asheville earned the title of All American City in 1970.

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