A sense of place often derives from a sense of its past. Transylvania County’s history brings together Native American folklore and the stalwart spirit of early mountaineers with some of the great visionaries of the gilded age. The various historical sites and museums throughout the county attest to the indelible imprint these men and women made upon the heart, soul and spirit of the community.
From the carefully collected artifacts of the Transylvania Heritage Museum to the grand ideas about conservation that grew out of the Cradle of Forestry, visitors may find the seeds of the future in the relics of our past.
The Allison-Deaver House
Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest on NC 280 the historic Allison-Deaver House provides visitors a rare glimpse into the life in Transylvania in the early 19th Century. With its oldest portion dating from 1815, the Allison-Deaver House is the oldest known standing frame house west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its grounds and gardens offer picnic spots and event grounds throughout the year.
The Silvermont Mansion
In 1902, Joseph and Elizabeth Silversteen moved to Brevard from Pennsylvania and built the gracious thirty-three room Greek Revival Mansion four blocks east of the courthouse on Main Street. The Silvermont Mansion, now placed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses many community organizations and special events and its extensive grounds provide visitors and residents of Brevard with a casual recreation center, with gazebos, basketball courts, playground, tennis courts, walking paths and Thursday night bluegrass jams on its ample front port from 7:30-10:00pm.
