This year, the United States of America will mark its 250th anniversary with a big birthday celebration. And it can be argued that our nation would not exist to this day had it not been for a handful of brave and dedicated patriots from western North Carolina and what is now McDowell County.
The McDowell House located on U.S. 70 West was long thought to have been the home of Joseph McDowell. The historic structure survived the flood of 1916, the flooding from hurricanes Frances and Ivan in 2004 and the flooding from Hurricane Helene in 2024. In December 2012, an architect who was commissioned by McDowell County and the National Park Service presented a report to county officials about the site’s history and its possible future use. The architect concluded that the house was more likely built by Joseph McDowell’s son James, sometime in the early 19th century, according to a previous story by The McDowell News.
Historic Carson House, the home built by John Carson more than 200 years ago, is preserved as McDowell’s most important historical site and features a museum complex devoted to this heritage. Later this spring, a new visitor’s center, exhibit space and office addition will be dedicated at the Carson House.
These interpretative signs tell visitors to the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway about Round Hill and its history.
MIKE CONLEY, MCDOWELL NEWS
This marker was erected over the graves of the McDowell family, who were buried on Round Hill. The remains of “Hunting” John McDowell, Joseph McDowell, James McDowell and others are laid to rest here.
MIKE CONLEY, MCDOWELL NEWS
This is the top of Round Hill, which became the final resting place for both the McDowell and Carson families.
This marker was erected over the graves of the McDowell family, who were buried on Round Hill. The remains of “Hunting” John McDowell, Joseph McDowell, James McDowell and others are laid to rest here.
The McDowell House located on U.S. 70 West was long thought to have been the home of Joseph McDowell. The historic structure survived the flood of 1916, the flooding from hurricanes Frances and Ivan in 2004 and the flooding from Hurricane Helene in 2024. In December 2012, an architect who was commissioned by McDowell County and the National Park Service presented a report to county officials about the site’s history and its possible future use. The architect concluded that the house was more likely built by Joseph McDowell’s son James, sometime in the early 19th century, according to a previous story by The McDowell News.
Historic Carson House, the home built by John Carson more than 200 years ago, is preserved as McDowell’s most important historical site and features a museum complex devoted to this heritage. Later this spring, a new visitor’s center, exhibit space and office addition will be dedicated at the Carson House.
