Along the Catawba River Basin and near Lake James at the eastern foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the historic Mother city of Marion, North Carolina welcomes all. East of the Piedmont “where Main Street meets the mountains,” Marion extends hospitality to myriad travelers enjoying the panoramic robes of Mother Nature at her finest.
A walk in the meadows of her lush properties may reveal the unmistakable Eastern Bluebird with its red-dish chest and bright blue plumage. Though Marion duplexes for sale, Marion condos for sale, Marion investment properties for sale, lots for sale in Marion, ranches in McDowell County and houses for sale in Marion in neighborhoods such as the newer Glen Haven or older Cross Mill will show you that "nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina," the nearby Linville Falls and Gorge Recreational Areas present some of the most amazing stands of eastern hemlock, tangles of rhododendron, blueberry thickets and birch forests anywhere. Real estate in Marion ranges from modest starter homes to executive estates in McDowell County--and all are within minutes of the rock-climbing heights and the 1,600-foot-deep waters of Lake James.
The population of 6,000 swells to 20,000 as rural folks and tourists drop by to enjoy the quality of life, safe neighborhoods, recreational amenities, great shopping and the incredible scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, replete with crystalline winter simplicity, glorious autumn colorations and sightings of Peregrine Falcons and red crossbills.
Though 45 different Indian tribes have spent more than 12,000 years around here, the town officially began in 1844. Its namesake is Francis Marion, the South Carolina Revolutionary War hero known as The Swamp Fox. Plantation owner Sam Carson donated 50 acres to establish this as the County Seat. The town grew following the topography around the gently sloping foothills until factories on the west side of town also inspired new residential neighborhoods there.
After the devastating fire of 1894, the town was rebuilt. Businesses, stores, hotels, banks, and later industries such as Marion Manufacturing Company, Clinchfield Mill and Cross Mill along with furniture factories such as Drexel, grocery warehouses, a hosiery mill, a paper company, medicinal outlets, clothing stores, variety stores, candy stores and drugstores with soda fountains, theaters, sports and athletics, and so on filled the town. Industry demanded electricity, telephone and running water and several companies obliged. And along came hospitals. The important role of churches could be noticed on Sunday mornings when myriad bells rang from each unique steeple.
Outdoor recreation is around the corner at one of five convenient parks, one sporting a skate park and another ball fields. Just a few minutes away is Lake James State Park where public boat ramps and camping facilities make it easy to get a dose of Mother Nature. Venture a little further out and visit Land of the Waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest, head to the Crabtree Meadows Recreation Area or to the Great Smoky Mountains or Reed Gold Mine State Historical Site. Some prefer the manicured greens and visage of a golf course or a steep mountain trail at Mount Mitchell State Park, the Linville Caverns and Linville Falls. Though the calendar of special events varies, everyone will want to attend the Mountain Glory Festival in October sometime.
The McDowell County Public School District, in partnership with family and community, works with children and youth to develop the life skills necessary for personal success as well as the ability to assume civic responsibility in a globally competitive society. A high school, two junior highs and several elementary schools, along with the McDowell Early College and the Alternative Education Center in town, provide local options.
At an elevation of 1,401 feet, the area is accessed via vehicle, including Greyhound, on I-40, US-70, US-221 and NC-226 and via plane at the private Shiflett Field or through the larger airports in Asheville and Hickory. The trip any way you make it is a worthy way to find this great place to live, work, shop and play! And to lose your heart in the calming music of the woods and waters and winds and wings.
Design by IMC Articles by Harris Realty © Copyright 2006
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