Asheville Launches Initiative to Recognize Hidden Historical Gems

Celebrating Our City’s Hidden Historical Gems

Hey there, friends! If you call Asheville home or have visited our lovely city, you know it’s packed with stories, legends, and countless cozy nooks that hold a special place in our hearts. From charming streets to bustling neighborhoods, there’s so much history all around us. We love the historical markers that decorate various spots, but what about those unmarked locations that also deserve some love and recognition?

Spotlighting Our Local Legends

Imagine walking down the street and spotting a quaint little café, a vibrant mural, or an old, weathered building, and thinking, “This place has a story to tell!” Well, you’re not alone! Many of us have gazed upon ordinary-looking locations only to feel a spark of recognition for their hidden importance. Our city is brimming with legends— both as grand as The Block and as enchanting as the Appalachian Stage by City Hall, or even the whimsical cats on Wall Street!

Still, not every significant spot gets its moment in the sun. Recently, certain Asheville locations have gained new meaning, underscoring how our community continues to evolve. For instance, the phenomenal Flood Back Love mural in the River Arts District stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, but could it benefit from a permanent acknowledgment? Or how about O.Henry’s, the oldest gay bar in North Carolina that’s woven deeply into the LGBTQ+ history of our city? Places like Stumptown, a former Black neighborhood near Montford, also deserve a marker to commemorate their important past.

Your Chance to Make a Mark!

We believe it’s time to celebrate these underappreciated locales—after all, they are just as essential to our community narrative. That’s why we are calling on all you history buffs out there! Have you ever thought about a local spot that deserves to be commemorated? Well, here’s your chance to put it on the map—literally!

We’re inviting you to submit your suggestions for unofficial historical locations around Asheville. Think of that spot you pass by every day that makes your heart flutter with nostalgia, or a vibrant piece of art that captures the spirit of our city. Your submissions will not only light the way for these places but may even help them get recognized on a national level!

How to Participate

So, how exactly can you be part of this exciting initiative? It’s simple! Send us your idea for a historic place by the deadline of 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Our dedicated team will review the entries, and we’ll announce the finalists in our newsletter. You’ll then get a chance to vote for your favorite submission! Who knows? Maybe your idea will shine bright enough to score an official historical marker.

Mark Your Calendars!

While we can’t promise every submission will get an official marker, we can promise that it will have a special place in our collective hearts. After all, every brick, mural, and street corner has its own story just waiting to be honored!

Curious about what existing historical markers are around town? Check out the Historical Marker Database to explore and learn more!

Let’s come together to give our beloved Asheville the tribute it deserves. What are you waiting for? Start dreaming up your suggestions, and let’s make our city’s hidden treasures known!