Rutherford County Travel Guide - 2023 - 32

HISTORY
Bechtler Heritage
Center and Mint
Site Park
info. pg. 75
EXPERIENCE NORTH
CAROLINA GOLD HISTORY!
Tour the home of Christopher
Bechtler who minted the first $1 gold
coin in 1832 - 17 years before the US
Mint made one of its own. Watch the
documentary, tour the exhibits, and
see the only Bechtler rifle known to
exist. Then, head three miles north to
the site of Bechtler's mint and peek
inside the mine or walk on the Hidden
Floor of Gold.
Bostic Lincoln Center
info. pg. 77
BIRTHPLACE OF ABRAHAM
LINCOLN? See the convincing
evidence that Abraham Lincoln was
actually born in Rutherford County
before relocating to Kentucky. Explore
this unique museum and decide for
yourself.
Ellenboro Train Depot
info. pg. 77
A UNIQUE MUSEUM FULL
OF HISTORY; not just trains from
the past. Young and old alike will
enjoy stepping back in time with the
interactive exhibits.
Genealogical Society
of Old Tryon County
info. pg. 76
A NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION CREATED IN
1972 meant to preserve and share the
historical and genealogical records of
Rutherford County.
Historic Downtown
Walking Tour
Spindale

SPINDALE, NC
A Centennial Celebration
1923-2023
is just one of over 40 publications
by Robin Spencer Lattimore, of
Rutherfordton. He is an awardwinning,
national bestselling author
that celebrates the people, places,
and traditions of the American
South. Many of his books can be
found at Next Door Books in Forest
City, or at Hill's Hardware and
General Store and Dive Bomber
Vintage, both in Rutherfordton,
as well as at local libraries. Other
notable titles by Lattimore include:
Rural Splendor: Plantation Houses
of the Carolinas
Hometown Holidays: Celebrating
Christmas in Rutherford County, NC
Columns & Porches: Architectural
Treasures of Rutherford County, NC
 

Historic Inns
info. pg. 56
ANTIQUES, MUSIC BOXES
AND FAMOUS MEMORIES
HOUSED HERE. The 1927 Lake
Lure Inn and Spa in Lake Lure and the
former Esmeralda Inn and Restaurant
in Chimney Rock Village are famous
for housing famed figures like F.
Scott Fitzgerald. Book a stay at the
1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa and stroll
through history.
Historic Markers
of Rutherford County
THE N.C. HISTORICAL
MARKERS PROGRAM IS
ONE OF THE OLDEST IN
CONTINUOUS OPERATION in
the nation, and a favorite pastime of
many visitors. The historical markers
identify the location of significant
historical events. Complete with over
40 marked locations, our Rutherford
County guide showcases national,
state, and privately recognized
moments in time.
North Carolina Civil War Trails marker
series are also included along with
images and full inscriptions. You
can pick up a free brochure at our
Welcome Center in Lake Lure or
download it from our website.
The Holocaust
Museum
info. pg. 76
INCLUDES OVER SIX HUNDRED
PIECES OF ART, each showcasing
the time of the holocaust. Every piece
of art is handpicked to tell the story
and to bear witness to the history and
evidence of the Holocaust and the
Jewish people. Exhibits in the museum
share eyewitness testimonies from
Holocaust survivors and the atrocities
that they suffered.
info. pg. 75
THE LARGEST CLUSTER OF
ANTEBELLUM HOMES
IN WESTERN NORTH
CAROLINA are just a few of the
things you will see on this walking
tour of downtown Rutherfordton. This
self-guided tour takes you on a trip
through history with the Overmountain
Men, original Tiffany stained-glass
church windows, and some of the
oldest gravestones in Western NC.
COURTESY OF ROBIN SPENCER LATTIMORE
N.C. Gold Trail
info. pg. 75
ALMOST 50 YEARS BEFORE
THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH,
THERE WAS THE NORTH
CAROLINA GOLD RUSH and N.C.
led the country in gold production. In
fact, the first $1 gold coin was minted
in the Town of Rutherfordton by
Christopher Bechtler. In celebration 
32 RUTHERFORD COUNTY TOURISM OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE
Rutherford County Travel Guide - 2023

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