Following the Old Buffalo and Nickajack Trails, Native Americans and early settlers were the first citizens of present-day Watauga County. In 1752, Bishop August Spangenberg, the earliest documented explorer, traveled through this steep terrain and noted the necessity of crawling on hands and knees to stay balanced. Located among the Blue Ridge Mountains, Watauga County grew slowly with few settlers until after the Civil War. The Boone and Blowing Rock Turnpike began to open up the area to commerce and tourists in the 1880s. The establishment of the Watauga Academy in 1899, several ski resorts, and upscale residential developments has changed the landscape. The towns of Boone and Blowing Rock have been listed as some of the best small towns in America and continue to attract new residents and visitors.
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Original Binding: Trade Paperback
Pages: 128 pages
ISBN-10: 0738567469
Item Weight: 0.04 lbs
Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.3 x 9.3 inches
Title: Watauga County: Images of America Author: Joe Tennis Publisher: Bristol Herald Courier Date: 2/21/10
"Watauga County" focuses on the big draws - the New River, Tweetsie Railroad, Grandfather Mountain and the Blowing Rock.
Yet, perhaps even more curious, are the photos of the 1938 Boone post office, shown under construction, and the Skyline Restaurant, a place lost to a fire in 1952. As a pictorial history, the book includes photos that span about 100 years.
This is the heart of the North Carolina High Country. And its history is rich - with tales of Native Americans coming to the area, following the paths of the Old Buffalo and Nickajack trails.
Centuries later, the area took on a new identity with the creation of ski resorts, Appalachian State University and upscale residential developments.
Lambeth, a local history buff, contributes a great many photos from his own collection to this book - including shots of the D.B. Doughtery Mill; a postcard of the Appalachian Training School; and a copy of a child's ticket at Tweetsie Railroad.
Donna Akers will be signing copies of her books, including "Watauga County," on March 6, 1-3 p.m., at the Books- a-Million in Kingsport; and on March 13, 1-3 p.m., at the Barnes & Noble of Johnson City, Tenn. Visit http://www.donnaakers.com.
Regional authors and historians Donna Gayle Akers and Brian Lambeth have researched the area's history and present the reader a photographic journey through time. This is Donna's sixth book in the Images of America series. An avid genealogist and historian, she can trace her family lineage back through eight generations of Virginians. Brian is fascinated by uncovering history and making it accessible through books, the Internet, and historical societies. He has contributed to two of Donna's Images of America books.
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