JACKSON COUNTY
Updated 12/31/99
Archaeological excavations were conducted at Judaculla Rock and Cullowhee Valley School by the volunteer lab at Western Carolina University under the supervision of the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. In addition, the Historic Preservation Office statewide inventory includes information on 338 prehistoric and historic archaeological sites in Jackson County.
A county architectural survey was conducted in 1989-1990. Surveys are cooperative local-state projects accomplished with grants and staff assistance from the Historic Preservation Office.
Federal grants of $18,000 have assisted architectural surveys in 1979 and 1989, and state grants of $55,000 have been directed at restoration of the Jackson County Courthouse.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Fourteen National Register listings represent a cross section of historic properties in the county, including resort architecture, churches, schools, houses, and a summer camp for girls.
The E. M. Backus Lodge, an income-producing tax credit project at Lake Toxaway, has been completed at a construction investment of $74,500. The Balsam Mountain Inn, an income-producing project in Balsam, is currently undergoing renovation at an estimated cost of $1,229,900. The Historic Preservation Office reviews and provides restoration technical services for all tax credit projects.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
Historic Preservation Office staff presented a series of lectures at Western Carolina University during 1994 on the "Principles and Practices of Historic Preservation."
The Historic Preservation Office has provided technical restoration services to the Jackson County Courthouse and the Zachary Tolbert House.