The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1876-08-10
Life Among the Mountains eP Western
North Carolina
HIGHLANDS. MACON &C., N. c.,
Aug. [st. 1916.

HIGHLANDS. MACON N&Ss IN ~
Aug. [st, 1876.
The invitation of the editor OF the TELE-
GRAPH, and numerous requests of Kenosha
friends to send something for publication re-
specting this country and impressions of the
people, have not been forgotten. Two
months Of life among the mountaineers, of
clambering up and down the peaks Of the
Blue Ridge range and its numerous spurs, and
of vain endeavor to find the elements and
comforts of northern civiliEs5ion, have left
indeible impressions, some sccount of which
may prove Interesting, il not altogether
profitable.
We are here on a health emission, that is
my sister is, and l am Speeding g vacation
from study in general rustication. The ele-
waited regions of Western North Carilna have
been growing in prominence of late as re-
sort for those with pulmonary complaints.
Altitude is now recognized as one Of the es-
sentiaIs to restoration in such cases, and in
Macon and Jackson counties, the country
consists largely of plateau, with an average
elevation of from 5000 to, 1000 feet above the
distance as yet. as The coaatry is practically
new and unknown, and no accommodations
have been provided for i4valids or other Wis
tors. Those dwelling ia the lower country
immediately adjacent. however, have long
understood the health giving properties of
this climate, and it has been no unusual oc-
currenee for consumptives and others to re-
sort to the mountain regions, and TO regain
their health There is no doubt that in time
when the country is more fully developed
and known, and suitable accommodations
provided, it may become popular resort for
health seekers from all sections. The air is
is clear, light pure and bracing. Tie sum
mers ge0erally are comfortably COOL and the
nights are always SO. The temperature Is
much more even than in most places north.
At this particular point, the elevation is 4,
600 feet
But while the possibilities of this region
are numerous and grand, both as health re
sort, and in it's agricultural and mineral
resources the actual condition is not inviting
at present, unless one is prepared to rough
it," 1t is proposed to establish northern
colony here, if possible, and ''then. and not
till them" this wilderness may "bloom and
blossom as the rose" Only northern enter
prise can transform these forests into farms.
and develop the rich mineral resources IN
which the country a5ounds. Nature has done
eYerythiDgsfor the place both in scenery and
natural advantages but m an has done very
little. Native mountaineers ale plenty, but
they are of little account in sEeh work.
Reference will be made to thems as well as
to the county, more fully hereafter.
circular has recently been pat forth by
an enterprising northerner who came here
last year, giving description Of tlae country
and pointing out its attractions to families
seeking homes. invalIds, and pleasure seek
ers. etc. The.circular Is in tie main correct
and vet, being written from the standpoint
of a blind enthusiasm, it falls to set forth the
actual state of things clearly, or at least it |
is very liable to be inexperienced. There
Is too much of the glow of the enthusiast
about it,. and the asctwGZ is not clearly distin
guished from the possible For Instance, !
under the head-"The Town of Highlands"
oae is easily led to infer that an actual town
has been commenced, lots laid out, and ar
under way for churches, SCHOOLS,
hotels. ect. The actual "town" consists OF
the main highway for the distance of about
a mile or less with small Aonse at each ex-
tremity. ard little country store, meagefiy
furnished, with high prices,-between!
shall make liberal discount on ali land cir
culars hereafter. It is easy to make ont an
attractive case on paper, but there are apt
to be many realities about il, which only
actual and sad experience Can discover.
We came here as pioneers, not expecting
much. and hence there was little margin Tor
disappointment. The physicians ADVICE was
that, all things considered, tails climate was
probably the best for this particular case.
and the result has demonstrated the wisdom
Of the ADVICE The country and It's accom-
modations could not be recommended FUR