Record #:

22384

Author(s):

Chase, Nan K.

Abstract:

Rutherford County's Hickory Nut Gorge encompasses Chimney Rock, a 2,280-foot monolith that towers over the gorge and nearby river and gives scenic views as far as 75 miles. Lucius Morse and his brothers purchased it in 1902, for $5,000 and planned to develop it as a tourist attraction. The park has belonged to the Morse family ever since. Recently the family decided to sell and put a price of $55 million on their property. There were fears among residents that a developer might buy it. However, negotiations between the family and the NC Division of State Parks ended with the state buying it for $24 million.

Source:

WNC Magazine (NoCar F261 .W64), Vol. 1 Issue 1, Mar/Apr 2007, p76-85, il

Subject(s):

Parks--Rutherford County