History of Asheville, North Carolina, USA

Asheville, or Asnville, a city, capital of Buncombe co., N.C., situated at the junction of the Swananoa and the French Broad River, and among the mountains of the Blue Ridge, about 210 miles (direct) W. of Raleigh. It is on the Southern R., 2350 feet above the sea. It has banks, manufactures of cotton, tobacco, leather, etc, and various normal and collegiate institutions. Asheville is a favored summer- and winter-resort, in a region considered very beneficial for pulmonary and related diseases, and is annually visited by many thousands of persons. The surroundings are notably picturesque, and in the neighborhood are the famous forest-park and chateau of Biltmore, probably the finest private estate in America. Average winter temperature, 39° ; summer, 72° ; spring, 53°. Pop. in 1900, 14,694.

Asheville, N. C. - Five children are dead, three missing and eight are seriously injured as the result of a fire today which started in the furnace room and destroyed the Catholic Hill school for colored children.

Asheville, N.C., Dec. 25. - An explosion in a downtown fireworks store tonight killed at least three persons and injured an undetermined number.

An hour after the explosion firemen, backing their way through the wreckage, had brought out three bodies, and expressed fear several others had been killed.

At that time the firemen had not penetrated to the basement of the building, which caved in.

It was said a number of persons were in the store.

Christmas is observed throughout this region with fireworks displays.
Automobiles parked on both sides of the street were damaged by flame and heat. One vehicle directly in front of the building was demolished.

Bud Shaney, professional baseball pitcher, said the fire probably was caused by an open charcoal pot around which employes were gathered. Shaney said six to ten persons were in the store when he left. The explosion occurred when he was about 25 feet from the entrance, he said.

LAWRENCE STEPP, 15, who was in the store at...

Asheville, Sept. 1 - (AP) - A terrific dynamite explosion that killed five men at a stone quarry here puzzled officials today.
The men,
WILLIAM BIZZELL, white.
HARLEY WEBB, white.
WILL HENRY, negro.
WESLEY MOORE, negro.
GUS DAVIS, negro.
They were perched on a perpendicular 200-foot cliff yesterday when 50 pounds of dynamite exploded and mangled the men beyond recognition.
W. H. Bizzell, father of WILLIAM BIZZELL and a quarry foreman, said the blast could have been caused by one of three things. A spark, he said, could have reached the naked powder, the rock holes into which the powder was poured could have been very hot, or the stone could have contracted to the 40 pound pressure necessary to set off the powder.
BIZZELL said that he just had left the point where the men were pouring dynamite into holes when the blast sounded.

Biltmore Estate: Start your trip with a visit to the Biltmore Estate, America's largest home. Explore the historic mansion, beautifully landscaped gardens, and even enjoy wine tastings at the Biltmore Winery.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, often called "America's Favorite Drive." It offers breathtaking mountain views, numerous hiking trails, and opportunities for picnicking and photography.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Take a day trip to this nearby national park, where you can hike, bike, and explore diverse wildlife and plant species. Clingmans Dome, the park's highest peak, offers panoramic views.

Downtown Asheville: Stroll through the heart of the city, where you'll find unique boutiques, art galleries, street performers, and a vibrant food scene. Be sure to visit Pack Square and Vance Monument.

Grove Park Inn: Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn. It's renowned for its stunning mountain views and the...