Davidson River Was Commercial Center

On August 1, 1783 both James Davidson and Benjamin Davidson applied to the State of North Carolina for land along the French Broad River.  The process completing these sales was not finalized until November 16, 1790.  They were the first settlers to own land in what would become Transylvania County.

Benjamin Davidson’s property included a smaller river that flowed into the French Broad.  It was here that he built his home about 1794.  The smaller river became known as Ben Davidson’s Creek and later Davidson River.

Another early settler was Lambert Clayton.  Clayton was a leader in the early local government and assigned to build a wagon road along the Cherokee’s Eastatoe Path from the Swannanoa River to the Davidson River and on westward.

Benjamin Allison came to the area in 1813.  He built a large wood frame home within sight of both the Davidson River and the road, known as the Boyleston Road.

The Boyleston Road from Asheville and Crab Creek Road from Flat Rock brought enough settlers to the area to create a need for a church and school.  Ben Davidson gave land to build a meeting house.  This facility served various denominations on Sundays and as a private school, Davidson River Academy, during the week.  In 1828 it officially became the Davidson River Presbyterian Church.

Cagle's Linsey-Woolsey Mill on the Davidson River

In addition to these pioneers the Davidson River has also been home to numerous business.  Leonard Cagle operated a grist mill near Sycamore Flats on the river.  His son, Henry, manufactured linsey-woolsey fabric at a mill just downstream. 

Further upstream Charles Moore, James Patton and Thomas Miller contracted with George Shuford to build a forge and the Davidson River Iron Works mill.  Iron ore was hauled from Boylston Creek to make iron bars.  The bars were sent to Asheville to be made into goods.  During the Civil War it was operated by the Confederacy.

In the early 1900s Brevard Tannin was located on the French Broad River near the mouth of the Davidson River.  From 1912-1957 Carr Lumber Company’s saw mill and lumber yard were located along the river.   The Ecusta Paper Mill operated on the river’s banks from 1939-2002.

Davidson River Valley, 1930s.  Right:  Gash Home on Vanderbilt (Ecusta) Rd.  Carr Lumber in the distance.

Today local businesses like Sycamore Cycles, Hub, Davidson River Outfitters and Dolly’s Dairy Bar make their home at the crossroads leading into Brevard and the Pisgah National Forest.

Upcoming Picturing the Past columns will feature the house built by Benjamin Allison, which has stood watch over the Davidson River area for 200 years.

Visit the Transylvania Heritage Museum on West Main St. through mid-May to learn more about the Davidson River area history.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library.  Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs.  For more information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-3151 X242.