Marble North Carolina...and the Sidewalks were Paved in Marble
Along US 19/129 about half way between Andrews and Murphy in the central Valley River region is a small rural town named Marble. You wouldn't even consider there ever was a mountain valley town there. At its height of prosperity the town of Marble made a decree that their sidewalks were to be paved in marble! Not just any marble, but the finest marble in all the country. Folks came from across the county to witness such excess. Big city newspapers and magazines sent reporters to tell their readers.
After the Trail of Tears came to a close settlers began moving into this region. It wasn't long before local minerals were being mined, tree stands being logged and a "high quality of white, gray, pink and blue marble was discovered and prepared to be quarried. The marble was discovered along the southern edge of the Snowbird Mountain range along the lower slope of a high mountaintop called "Hanging Dog."
The town of Marble found its roots when it began shipping the high grade of stone along the new rail line that dissects the county from east to west.
The high quality "blue marble" was the choice for several structures along historic downtown Murphy's Peachtree Street with the county courthouse being the most prominent. The color of the marble reflects the "blue toned hue" that is seen covering the Blue Ridge Mountains from a distance.
People moved into the area to mine, log and quarry. Several small manufacturers set up business using the local pool of labor to manufacture their goods. Today, the sidewalks have figuratively been rolled up and what was once part of a prosperous historical community has all the earmarks of a frontier western "ghost town." I've been told there is a small section of sidewalk still paved in marble in the old district, and if you knew where to look you could find it, however I haven't found it yet. Sad thing is there's not even a plaque to commemorate the event.
The marble quarry can't be seen from the main roads in town, and some of the local manufacturers have closed. Though Marble's commerce has depleted since its boom and marble sidewalk days, yet what was been left behind are the resilient mountain folks who gave up their jobs but not their homes, and lifestyle. The newly built Marble Springs Baptist Church is the centerpiece of the town now as well as the friendly country post office. Older modest homes lay along the old rail line in what was once downtown Marble while other mid 20th century brick and frame homes sit solo along open grassy knolls. Newer log cabins hang on the mountain slopes while other new constructions are tucked out of sight. I like the town of Marble, what's left, its quiet unimposing atmosphere it is very peaceful and it's past another tale in history.Overview of Cherokee County North Carolina
Murphy the County Seat
Brasstown
Andrews, Valley River Country
Peachtree
And the Sidewalks were Paved in Marble
The Western Foothills and Mountains of Cherokee County
Hiwassee Lake and the Unicoi Mountains
Cherokee Legend
Cherokee County...Land of Many Uses
Highlander Fine Arts, Authentic Mountain Photography and Fine Crafts
Here are a sampling of the artists you will find....Anthony Abreu • Michael Bedoian • Juanita Greenspan • Linda Thompson • Tonya Fowler • Jason Fowler • Chris Jones • Les Smith • Chuck Waldroup • Joe Waldroup • Billy Reynolds • Randy Rowe • Thomas Payne • Frances McCord • Rita Poole • Clive Poole • Marla McCormick • Don Milsaps
Wednesday - Saturday 11:00 ish - 5:00 ish
10079 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC • 828.835.9982 • www.HighlanderGallery.com
Parson's Pub in Historic Downtown Murphy NC
Lunch • Dinner • Great Beer
We pride ourselves on our extensive beer menu (over 50!). Talk to one of our "Beervangelists" to help you try a new favorite! If you request a beer we do not carry, we will attempt to get it!
Monday - Saturday 11 am - 10 pm
19 Tennessee Street • Murphy, NC 28906 • 828-837-4151 • Parson's Pub Web Site
Rafting on the Ocoee River
Professional river outfitter with over 30 years experience. Our safety record is unsurpassed in the industry. We believe our staff is simply the best in the business. Guides are chosen for their character and enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with you.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Rafting on the Nantahala River
Experience this unforgettable whitewater adventure through the gorge. The Nantahala is exciting, and a great time, but not as wild as the Ocoee. This is a river that you can bring children on as young as seven years old.
Experience the excitement of Patton's Run, the fun and splash of Tumble Dry, the rush and roar of riding Class III Nantahala Falls. For a bigger thrill, try taking one of our Duckies down the river!
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Zip Line Canopy Tours...Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Asheville • Pigeon River
Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US.
All our courses offer a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual drop in elevation. All trips offer fully guided tours with 2 or more Rangers on at least 10 zips, 4 bridges beginning with a training course at each location.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Adventure Camp on the Ocoee & Nantahala Rivers
Catch the surge and ride the rapids on the exciting Ocoee River in Tennessee or North Carolina's Nantahala River for an experience you won't forget. Challenge your skills on the high ropes just for the thrill. Sit tall in the saddle for a leisure ride through the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Camp out or stay in log cabins while letting the kids sleep in groups in one of several bunkhouse's. We will help you create a custom retreat for you or your group.
tara@greatmountainretreats.com • 828.835.3275 • GreatYouthRetreats.com
Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips
So much water to choose from and an adventure you'll never forget.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMountainFishing.com
Tim Noland, Realtor® - Buyer's Agent • North Georgia & Western North Carolina
10886 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.557.1009 • GreatMtnRealEstate.com
Great Mountain Properties & Cabin Rentals in now accepting additional cabins
Whether you purchased your mountain home as an occasional getaway, an investment, or the destination of your future retirement, we realize the importance that it be respected as your home first and foremost.
It is our objective to provide you with both quality property management as well as a rental program to help offset some of the expense of owning a 2nd home. Through the combined knowledge of all of us at Great Mountain Cabin Rentals, we have the expertise to help you understand and create a Great Mountain Cabin Rental.
896 Green Cove Road • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.835.3275 • www.GreatMountainCabinRentals.com
Great Mountain Cabin Rentals
828.835.3275 • GreatMountainCabinRentals.com
Heaven's Ridge, Luxury Mountain View Cabin
828.835.3275 • Heaven's Ridge
Perfect View Luxury Pet Friendly Cabin Rental
828.835.3275 • Perfect View Pet Friendly Luxury Cabin
Fox Den Pet Friendly Cabin in Murphy NC
828.835.3275 • Fox Den Pet Friendly Cabin Getaway
My Mountain Pet Friendly Cabin in Murphy NC
828.835.3275 • My Murphy Vacation Cabin
Cozy Bear Cabin
828.835.3275 • Cozy Bear Cabin Rental
Riverside Retreat on the Nottely River
828.835.3275 • Riverside Retreat
Reese's Retreat Close to the Ocoee
828.835.3275 • Reese's Retreat
Bear's Den, Pet Friendly Cabin
828.835.3275 • Bear's Den, Pet Friendly Cabin
Sunset Ridge, Pet Friendly Mountain Getaway
828.835.3275 • Sunset Ridge Cabin
Running Waters, Luxury Hiwassee Riverfront Cabin
Whether it's a romantic getaway, restful family vacation, or a holiday away from home, you'll be treated to comfort in our luxury riverfront 3 bedroom - 2 bathroom home.
828.835.3275 • Running Waters
Wild Wolf Lodge, Luxury Hot Tub Cabin
828.835.3275 • Wild Wolf Lodge
Murphy/Peace Valley KOA
800-562-9382 • 117 Happy Valley Road • Marble, NC 28905 • Murphy Peace Valley KOA Campground
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