“Where Main Street meets the Mountains”
Marion, North Carolina, may be small, but during the holidays it isn’t shy about letting everyone know what season it is, and after last week’s snow, that was more evident than ever.
New decorations adorn Main Street’s “gaslights”, with special “flame” bulbs installed to add that traditional Christmas feeling.
Banks of snow all over town seem perfectly appropriate for this time of year.
Like in many small Southern towns, hand painted Coca-Cola billboards on brick walls have been revealed after an adjacent structure was raised. Appreciating the historical significance of these early works of advertising, towns are preserving them for new generations to enjoy.
The railroad came to Marion in the 1870 when the Richmond and Danville Company extended the tracks from Morganton. In 1896, Southern Railway was formed, and absorbed the Marion link. The railroad passed directly through the center of town, and in the 1920’s, a new road bed was dug, and an overpass was constructed for Main Street.
When the Depot was opened in 1871, it was the first brick Depot in Western North Carolina.
Marion is proud of its railroad history, and isn’t afraid to show it off.
Less than a mile from Main Street, this park would usually have a panoramic view of the Black Mountain range and Mt. Mitchell, but on this day, it is more suited to cross-country skiing or Snow Frisbee.
Walls made from locally gathered mountain rock, like this one beneath the First Presbyterian Church, are common all over town, and many homes used them in their construction.
Within ten miles of Main Street, you’ll find some of the most beautiful mountain settings in all of North Carolina.
This video shows Yours Truly taking a stroll in the park after a session at one of Marion’s fitness centers.
Love these scenic and informative posts, Vann!