KNOW YOUR HISTORY: A LOCAL PRIMER
1. THE BEST PLACE TO BEGIN: "THE FRENCH BROAD"
Read "The French Broad" by the late and great historian Wilma Dykeman. Even though it was written in 1955, it remains one of the most readable and insightful historical touchstones available to those who have inquiring minds about Asheville and Western North Carolina. It is truly a treasure. Click Here>
2. WALK THE URBAN TRAIL
One of the most pleasant things to do in Downtown Asheville is to walk along the Urban Trail. Click Here>
3. THE MAGNOLIA TREE: EXPERIENCE ASHEVILLE'S MOST FAMOUS TREE, THE MAGNOLIA IN FRONT OF CITY HALL.
Go stand beneath this historic tree, while you still can. Stewart Coleman, Asheville's most controversial developer, says he intends to chop down Asheville's most famous tree to make room for a new high-rise condominium. Click Here>
Have a friend take a photograph of you, too. It may become a famous document that reminds people of the significance of this 100-year-old magnolia tree.
There is something special about Downtown Asheville's most famous tree. Some consider it to be historic. Still others consider it to be magical. Over the decades, many a couple has been married under its boughs. At least four generations of mountain fiddlers have played in the shade of the tree, most notably the musicians of a well-loved annual event, Shindig on the Green.
In November 2006, the Buncombe County Commissioners wrongfully, if not illegally, sold the magnolia tree to a local, powerful, controversial, and sometimes hot-headed developer, Stewart Coleman. Coleman is known for having built Asheville Mall on Tunnel Road and, more recently, 21 Battery Park condominiums on Battery Park Ave. across from the historic Flat Iron Building. Stewart Coleman says he intends to chop down the tree to make room for a new high-rise condominium.
Many Ashevillians are furious at the politicians who let this sale take place. An investigation will most likely take place should the magnolia be chopped down. Others wonder how Stewart Coleman will be able to show his face in Downtown Asheville if he cuts down the tree.
