Rutherford County Travel Guide - 2020 - 46

HISTORICAL HERITAGE

Historic Inns
info. pg. 62

ANTIQUES, MUSIC BOXES AND
FAMOUS MEMORIES HOUSED
HERE. The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa

WASHBURN'S GENERAL STORE

in Lake Lure and the Esmeralda Inn and
Restaurant in Chimney Rock Village are
famous for housing famed figures like F.
Scott Fitzgerald and Franklin Roosevelt.
Both hotels are sure to take your breath
away while you experience modern
conveniences, extraordinary views and
stroll through history.

46

EXPERIENCE NORTH CAROLINA
GOLD HISTORY! Tour the home of
Christopher Bechtler who minted the
first $1 gold coin in 1832 - 17 years
before the U.S. Mint made one of its
own. Watch the documentary, tour the
exhibits, and see the only Bechtler rifle
known to exist. Then, head three miles
north to the site of Bechtler's mint and
peek inside the mine or walk on the
Hidden Floor of Gold.

Bostic
Lincoln Center
info. pg. 80

BIRTHPLACE OF ABRAHAM
LINCOLN? See the convincing
evidence and listen to local lore claiming
that Abraham Lincoln was actually
born here in Rutherford County before
relocating to Kentucky. Explore this
unique museum and decide for yourself.
What say ye?

Historic Downtown
Walking Tour
info. pg. 79

THE LARGEST CLUSTER OF
ANTEBELLUM HOMES
IN THE SOUTHWEST REGION
are just a few of the things you will
see on this walking tour of downtown
Rutherfordton. This self-guided tour will
take you on a trip through history with
the Overmountain Men, a church with

RUTHERFORD COUNTY TOURISM OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE

N.C. Gold Trail
info. pg. 79

ALMOST 50 YEARS BEFORE
THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH,
THERE WAS THE NORTH
CAROLINA GOLD RUSH and N.C.
led the country in gold production. In
fact, the first $1 gold coin was minted
in the Town of Rutherfordton by
Christopher Bechtler. In celebration and
recognition of these historical events,
a heritage destination trail spanning
across the state has begun to develop
called the N.C. Gold Trail. The purpose
of this trail is to highlight attractions and
historical sites that contributed to the
North Carolina Gold Rush, and provide
education about the gold history in the
state, and the significance in the history
of the U.S.

Rutherford County
Farm Museum
info. pg. 80

A TREASURE CHEST TO THE
PAST, the museum exhibits hundreds of
historic items reflecting life on the farm
and in textile mills in late 18th and early
19th century. Displayed artifacts include
antique farm and textile equipment, plus
household items used throughout the
long history of Rutherford County. In
addition, 200 feet of murals depict the
cycle of cotton production and textiles in
the county.

ESMERALDA INN

the nation, and a favorite pastime
of many visitors. The historical markers
identify the location of significant
historical events. Complete with over 40
marked locations, our Rutherford County
guide showcases national, state, and
privately recognized moments in time.
North Carolina Civil War Trails marker
series are also included along with images
and full inscriptions. You can pick up a
free map at any of our Welcome Centers
or download it from our website.

info. pg. 79

original Tiffany stained-glass windows,
and a Civil War graveyard with some of
the oldest gravestones in western North
Carolina.

WELCOME CENTER

THE N.C.
HISTORICAL
MARKERS
PROGRAMS IS
ONE OF THE
OLDEST IN
CONTINUOUS
OPERATION in

Bechtler House
and Mint Site Park

"SINCE THE EARLY 1920'S A POT BELLIED
STOVE WARMED THE STORE AT THIS SPOT."

Historic
Markers of
Rutherford
County
Rutherford County Travel Guide - 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Rutherford County Travel Guide - 2020
