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Historic Architectural Resources Survey Report Preliminary Identification

Morganton Thoroughfare Plan - Burke County

North Carolina Department of Transportation Report Prepared by Clay Griffith

June 3, 1996

5 al Principa es ig tor Date Historic Architect ral Resources Section Department of Transportation 4

PROPOSED THOROUGHFARE DESCRIPTIONS

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes the following improvements in Morganton, Burke County:

Western Connector. The proposed Western Connector will provide a continuous north-south route on the western side of the city from the intersection of US 64- NC 18 and Filter Plant Road south to a proposed interchange at 1-40 and SR 1102 (Hopewell Road). The Western Connector continues south from the proposed interchange to US 64 near its intersection with SR 1102 (Hopewell Road). Multiple alternative corridors for providing this 4-lane divided facility are under consideration. Each alternative is a combination of four or more of these new location and existing alignments.

Stonebridge Drive Extension (TIP No. U-3446). The proposed Stonebridge Drive Extension will provide an intermediate loop system between Fleming Drive (US 70 Bypass) and Sterling Street (NC 18). Three new location alignments between SR 1704 (Bethel Road) and Sterling Street (NC 18) are under consideration for this proposed 4-lane divided facility.

Eastern Connector. The Eastern Connector is a proposed 4-lane divided facility designed to provide access to southeast Morganton. Two parallel corridors on new location will connect US 70 East to SR 1708 (East Parker Road), at which point only one alternative is proposed to connect with Old NC 18. The connector may be extended along existing Brick Street and terminate at SR 1922 (Enola Road).

The study areas for these proposed thoroughfares include all properties within and adjoining the corridors of future alignments. In addition, notable properties located in close proximity to the corridors were also identified. These areas are delineated on the attached maps.

PURPOSE OF SURVEY AND REPORT

NCDOT conducted a preliminary identification survey and compiled this report in order to identify historic architectural resources located within the study areas as part of the environmental studies performed by NCDOT and documented by the "1996 Morganton Thoroughfare Plan." This report is prepared as a technical addendum to the "1996 Morganton Thoroughfare Plan" and as part of the documentation of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended. Section 106 of the NHPA, 16 U.S.C. Section 470f, requires that if a federally funded, licensed, or permitted project has an effect on a property listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, then the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation be given an opportunity to comment. This report is on file at NCDOT and available for review by the public. METHODOLOGY

NCDOT conducted this survey and prepared this report in accordance with the provisions of FHWA Technical Advisory T 6640.8A (Guidance for Preparing and Processing Environmental and Section 4(f) Documents); the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological and Historic Preservation (48 FR 44716); 36 CFR Part 800; 36 CFR Part 60; and Survey Procedures and Report Guidelines for Historic Architectural Resources by NCDOT.

NCDOT conducted a preliminary identification of historic architectural resources with the following goals: (1) to determine the study areas of the above thoroughfares, defined as the geographic area or areas within which the proposed improvements may cause changes in the character or use of historic properties, if any such properties exist; (2) to identify all properties within the study areas that are listed on the National Register and the North Carolina State Study List; (3) to identify all properties within the study areas that appear to be definitely eligible for the National Register; and (4) to identify all properties within the study areas that appear to be probably eligible for the National Register.

The survey methodology consisted of a field survey and background research of the study areas. The field survey was conducted by car on January 30-31, 1996, and covered approximately 80% of the study areas. The areas on new location that were not surveyed thoroughly were viewed from existing roads and with the aid of aerial photography and USGS quad maps. All National Register and Study List properties identified within the study areas, as well as properties within the study areas that appeared to be definitely or probably eligible for the National Register were keyed to a base map. Due to time constraints not all of the properties were photographed. In addition, properties that have been previously surveyed and/or published were also identified.

The background research of the historical and architectural development of the study areas was aided by a previous architectural survey of Burke County. J. Randall Cotton conducted a survey of historic architectural resources in Burke County in 1983-84 and published the results in Historic Burke: An Architectural Sites Inventory of Burke County (1987). Additional information was gained from "Historic and Architectural Resources of Morganton," a multiple resource nomination prepared by Suzanne Pickens Wylie in 1986. The Burke County survey maps and site files in the Western Office of the Division of Archives and History in Asheville were also searched for any properties located in the study areas.

SUMMARY RESULTS OF FINDINGS

Twelve (12) properties were identified in this survey including seven properties listed on the National Register. One property, the James House, was determined eligible for the National Register as part of the Section 106 compliance for NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Project No. R-2549. Two other properties located within the study areas were surveyed previously and included in Historic Burke, and both of these properties appear to be probably eligible for the National Register. Two other properties not previously surveyed also appear to be probably eligible for the National Register. All properties identified are described briefly in the attached Property Inventory.

Properties Listed in the National Register:

Bellevue Historic District Creekside Gilboa Methodist Church John Alexander Lackey House Quaker Meadows Cemetery

Properties Listed on the North Carolina State Study List:

None

Properties that Appear Definitely Eligible for the National Register:

James House (DOE)

Properties that Appear Probably Eligible for the National Register:

Dale House Forney Log House Williams Farmstead WMNC Radio Station

CONCLUSIONS

A Final Identification Survey is recommended to complete the identification process for those thoroughfares that will become TIP Projects in the next five years. PROPERTY INVENTORY

I. WESTERN CONNECTOR

James House. Constructed in 1885, the James House is finely detailed, two- story, frame farmhouse at the center of a prosperous dairy farm. The property was determined eligible for the National Register under Criteria A and C as part of the Section 106 process for TIP Project No. R-2549. The eligible boundaries of the James House encompass 47.3 acres between US 64-NC 18 and Filter Plant Road. [Corridors A and B]

Bellevue. Listed on the National Register in 1973, Bellevue is an important example of a Federal style, Quaker-plan, brick dwelling and is associated with the Erwin family, who played an important role in the settling of Burke County. Bellevue is listed with 450 acres of mostly agricultural lands. The National Register boundaries need to be investigated in order to determine if any changes have occurred to the property that might necessitate a revision of the boundaries. [Corridor A]

Forney Log House. According to local tradition, this ante-bellum, one-room, half-dovetail-notched log house was originally used as a schoolhouse. The house also includes a log kitchen ell. The property is well preserved despite encroachment from modern suburban development. Further investigation is necessary to determine both eligibility and appropriate boundaries. [Corridor A]

John Alexander Lackey House. Built c. 1900, the Lackey House is an unusual and important example of a traditional farmhouse form executed in brick. The property was listed on the National Register in 1986 with an accompanying 2.29 acres. [Corridor A]

Quaker Meadows. Built in 1812 for Charles McDowell, the McDowell House, also known as Quaker Meadows, is believed to the be the oldest house standing in Burke County. The property is significant not only for its vernacular Federal- style architecture but also its many local historical associations. The house was listed on the National Register in 1973 with an accompanying nine acres.

WMNC Radio Station. Established in 1947, WMNC was Burke County's first radio station. The offices are housed in a distinctive streamlined modern building located on the south side of NC 181, opposite its intersection with St. Mary's Church Road (SR 1419). Further investigation is necessary to determine both eligibility and appropriate boundaries.

Quaker Meadows Cemetery. Located on a knoll overlooking Quaker Meadows valley, the Quaker Meadows cemetery contains fifty-nine graves dating from 1767 to 1879. Members of Burke County's most prominent early families including McDowell, Tate, and Greenlee, are interred here. The cemetery is significant for its associations with the early European settlement of western North Carolina. The property encompasses the .83 acres listed on the National Register in 1986.

Creekside. Located on the south side of West Union Street (US 70 Business) and to the east of Fleming Drive (US 64-70 Bypass), Creekside has been described the most monumental dwelling of the Piedmont. Built for the prominent Walton family in 1836, this finely detailed house marks a transition from the Federal style to the Greek Revival. The property has been compromised by encroaching commercial development generated by the busy West Union Street/Fleming Drive intersection.

Gilboa Methodist Church. Built in 1879, Gilboa Methodist Church is the oldest surviving frame church building in Burke County and is associated with the earliest establishment of Methodism in the county. The property is listed on the National Register and its boundaries encompass nearly one half acre. The property sits back from US 64, north of the intersection with Hopewell Road, in a wooded area. [Corridors K and J]

Williams Farmstead. Little is known about this hip-roof farmhouse with twin front gables and wraparound porch located at the end of SR 1114 (Fred Williams Road). Three well-preserved farm outbuildings, including a barn, stand to the south of the house. Further investigation is necessary to determine both eligibility and appropriate boundaries. [Corridor I]

STONEBRIDGE DRIVE EXTENSION (TIP No. U-3446)

Dale House. According to tax records this two-story, three-by-one bay, frame house was built in 1910. The house is located at the end of Ridgedale Drive and sits on 19.23 acres along a low-lying creek. Modern housing developments are encroaching from both the northeast and southeast. Further investigation is necessary to determine both eligibility and appropriate boundaries.

EASTERN CONNECTOR

Dale House. (The property is described above.) Since the proposed corridors are located southeast of the house, it is unlikely that the potential boundaries would extend into the corridors, but further investigation is necessary to determine both eligibility and appropriate boundaries. Broughton Hospital Historic District. Listed on the National Register in 1986, the Broughton Hospital Historic District is significant not only for its architecture, chiefly the work of architect , but also for the positive economic effects of the large institution. The district boundary lies on the west side of Enola Road (old NC 18) from NC 18 to south of Brick Street. The Western North Carolina Insane Asylum, the primary resource in the district, is individually listed as well, but is not located within the study area.

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QUAKER MEADOWS CEMETERY (NR), Western Connector Study Area

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WESTERN CONNECTOR

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PHASED ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY PROJECTS

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