Transylvania County Walk of History

The Walk of History is a portion of the walking path at Silvermont Park that runs between the parking lot and the East Main Street boundary.  Originally completed and dedicated in 2009, the Walk has many species of native trees and plants with a large sign, reproduced below, that describes their importance and connections to Transylvania County during different historical periods.

Welcome to Silvermont and the Transylvania County Walk of History. Markers have been placed at trees which represent significant eras of history of our city and county.

Native American	Mountain Laurel Rhododendron Flame Azalea	As early as 200 A.D., the Cherokee people inhabited this area calling it “Eastatoe” until driven away on the Trail of Tears in 1838.
Early Explorers	Serviceberry	Claimed by France from 1682 to 1763, thus the French Broad River, the area was known to hunters and trappers. Served as trade routes to South Carolina.
Revolutionary War	Chaste Tree	1776 to 1783. There are eight proven Revolutionary War patriots buried in the county.
Pioneers and Settlers	Apple Tree Sourwood Sassafras	Early families of the area established farms and trade. The earliest (1815) frame dwelling still standing is the Allison-Deaver House on Hwy 280E.
Religious Heritage	Dogwood Redbud	As early as the 1790s, organized groups gathered to worship. There are more than 60 churches in the county.
Civil War	Redbud	County families had differing loyalties. Outlaws from both sides hid in the mountains. Later Black citizens contributed to the education and culture of the county.
Early Industry	Oak White Pine Tulip Tree	The county and county seat of Brevard were established on May 28, 1861. With the coming of the railroad in 1894, logging and tanning industries brought prosperity. First school of forestry established 1900.
Arts and Letters	Holly Tree Curly Willow American Beech	Earliest school – 1803 Brevard College – 1853 Newspaper – 1887 Library – 1912 Hospital – 1933 Music Center – 1936 Blue Ridge Community College – 1970 Arts Council – 1983
Later Industry	Flax	Summer camps – 1916 Ecusta Paper – 1939 E.I. Dupont – 1958 M-B Industries – 1960 Coates North American – 1964 Small specialized businesses
Nature and Recreation	Red Maple Red Oak	The beauty of the area with waterfalls, mountain vistas, and cool climate has been attracting visitors to the county since the mid-1800s.