A Land Rich in History

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: May 2024

You’ve probably noticed how Laurel has been paying special attention to the Toxaway-Sapphire community over the last three years.

That’s because we’ve partnered with The Historic Toxaway Foundation to illuminate this stretch of land’s rich history (the Cherokee purportedly gave us the name “Toxaway!” A 1916 dam break of Biblical Proportions! The vital chestnut forest decimated by a blight that would not be contained!), to outline Historic Toxaway’s efforts to ensure that this era of growth benefits everyone in the community (which stretches from Rosman all the way to the eastern edge of Cashiers), and outline strategies for ensuring that the region’s future is as straightforward as its roads are curvy.

That’s a lot of responsibility, but over the foundation’s eight years, it’s scored some remarkable successes – its members are serving on the boards of the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Brevard, TCTDA, Housing Assistance Corporation; and the establishment of the Business Alliance of Upper Transylvania, which is already adding its clout to the marketing and development of this often-overlooked stretch of Western North Carolina; a donor to the Transylvania Tomorrow Fund; and publishing the Red Feather Guide in both monthly print and weekly digital format, which serves as business card for local enterprises and a calling card for visitors.

Historic Toxaway has also been working with the Longcliff Village development team on a 105-acre parcel adjoining Gorges State Park. Since the proposed land usage combines commercial, hospitality, and residential development, HTF’s effort is focused on converting an existing 44-acre conservation easement within the Longcliff development from private into public access land suitable for educational and recreational opportunities.

“There needs to be thought and action given to the directions we’re heading,” says HTF Board Member Nory LeBrun. “Our region includes Rosman, Balsam Grove, Quebec, Lake Toxaway, and Sapphire. We plan to enact a capital campaign next year to raise funds to upgrade and add to the trail system at Longcliff.

“It’s unusual that it’s surrounded on three sides by Gorges State Park, yet it’s gently sloping – both a grandmother and her three-year-old grandchild could walk the trails and see flora and fauna that don’t exist in other parts of the Eastern United States. The fourth side is a dramatic view over the Blue Ridge Escarpment.

“One of the very few places that anyone in the community – White, Black, Hispanic, Local, Part-time, Visitor – all come together is at McNeely’s Hardware and everyone engages, and says, ‘Hi.’ We want to ensure that that sort of friendly community continues to exist far into the future, within the Upper Transylvania footprint, and at Longcliff.

That’s a quick look back – next month we’ll examine how the Foundation is doing in fulfilling its ambitious goals.

If you’d like to learn more about the Historic Toxaway Foundation or BAUT, or become a member, visit historictoxaway.org.