NC Senator visits the Blue Ridge Parkway as Historic Landmark nomination progresses

NC Senator visits the Blue Ridge Parkway as Historic Landmark nomination progresses

ASHEVILLE – The Blue Ridge Parkway nomination for National Historic Landmark status was recently referred for a vote during a May 14 National Historic Landmarks Committee meeting, moving it one step closer to obtaining the official historic status. The referral comes as one of North Carolina’s senators recently visited the area to advocate for the parkway’s historic designation.

Blue Ridge Parkway’s Importance

The Blue Ridge Parkway has been one of the most visited units out of the 424-national park system, generating $1.3 billion for communities along the 469-mile drive since 2022. The road stretches from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and crests the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, passing through Asheville, and ending at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee.

Senator Ted Budd’s Visit

North Carolina Republican Sen. Ted Budd visited several stops on the parkway near Asheville on May 29 to advocate for its designation on the National Park as a National Historic Landmark. The visit comes after Budd asked the Department of Interior and the NHLC to give the parkway the historic status in an April 15 letter to NPS Director Charles Sams.

National Historic Landmarks Committee Decision

The National Park Service picks new National Historic Landmarks through theme studies and special studies that “provide a comparative analysis of properties associated with a specific area of American history.” The National Historic Landmarks Committee met on May 14-15 and voted for the Blue Ridge Parkway nomination to move forward in the process, along with 10 other locations.

Impact of Designation

Blue Ridge Parkway spokesperson Leesa Brandon expressed excitement about the nomination, noting that a National Historic Landmark designation would further grow regional travel and tourism. Brandon mentioned that the parkway maintains many of its original elements from its inception in the early 1930s.

Historical Significance

The Blue Ridge Parkway was built in phases, beginning in 1935 as a New Deal project aiming to bring in tourists and boost the Appalachian economy during the Great Depression. It was completed in 1987 with the placement of the Linn Cove Viaduct near Grandfather Mountain.

Senator Budd’s Advocacy

Senator Budd’s spokesperson Curtis Kalin stated that Budd intends to continue advocating for the Blue Ridge Parkway as it progresses through each step in the process.

Conclusion

With the ongoing efforts to secure National Historic Landmark status for the Blue Ridge Parkway, the recognition of its historical and cultural significance remains crucial for preserving its legacy and promoting tourism in the region.