Historic Carson House

If the walls of this house could speak, they would tell a story of North Carolina mountain heritage spanning more than two hundred years.

Carson House, a massive three-story structure with log walls at its core, was built by two generations of Carsons. Colonel John Carson, an Irishman born in the Province of Ulster, arrived in the upper Catawba Valley during the days when revolution and Cherokee uprisings charged the Appalachian wilderness with danger. He began constructing his log home on Buck Creek in 1793, adding to the structure and to his extensive land holdings during the remainder of his life. His plantation became one of the largest and most productive in the region.

By the early 1960s, Carson House had seen several owners and dozens of renters. Abandoned and unattended, the destruction wrought by time and the elements had begun.

Led by Misses Mary, Ruth and Nina Greenlee, local educators and historians, along with Carson descendant, Moffitt Sinclair Henderson, the citizens of McDowell County raised funds to rescue and restore this significant historic structure.The house was opened to the public as a museum and library in 1964, and has since seen many improvements, including expansion of the library and handicap accessibility. A non-profit 501-C3 organization, Carson House is a private museum overseen by a Board of Directors. The house depends upon donations and fund raising efforts to remain in operation. All donations are tax deductible.

Carson House maintains a unique collection of research materials and books, along with dozens of family histories in its library. The Mary M.Greenlee Genealogical Research and History Room has been a part of the house since the early 1970s, and is constantly adding to its archives. Thousands of family historians have found valuable clues to help them on their journey into their past. Access to the collection is available during regular hours at no cost. Donations appreciated.

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