MCDOWELL COUNTY
Updated 12/31/99
The North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office statewide inventory contains information on over 270 prehistoric and historic archaeological sites in McDowell County. An archaeological survey of the county was undertaken in 1987.
McDowell County was part of a three-county reconnaissance survey in 1985. An architectural survey of downtown Marion was completed in 1991. Surveys are cooperative local-state projects accomplished with grants and staff assistance from the Historic Preservation Office.
State grants of $105,000 assisted restoration of the John Carson House and a county archaeological survey. A federal grant of $18,500 also assisted the John Carson House.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Nine National Register listings include two districts, one house, three churches, and the courthouse in Marion, and two houses elsewhere in the county.
LOCAL PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS
McDowell County established a historic preservation commission in 1998.
Lone Beech, an income-producing tax credit project in Marion, has been completed at a construction investment of $180,000. One residential renovation is underway to utilize the new state tax credits for non-income-producing historic structures. The Historic Preservation Office reviews and provides restoration technical services for all preservation tax credit projects.
The Historic Preservation Office has provided technical restoration assistance to the John Carson House, the Old Fort Depot, the McDowell County Courthouse, St. Johns Episcopal Church, the Old Fort Amphitheater, and the Mountain Gateway Museum.