ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — What happened during the week of Nov. 15-21 in Western North Carolina?
Citing several different sources, here’s a look at historical events that were reported on this date in the 828, including a very special day to all North Carolinians in 1789:
Nov. 15
1894 – Women’s suffrage movement takes root in Asheville
According to HighlandsHistory.com, Helen Morris Lewis organized a public meeting at the Buncombe County Courthouse to discuss women’s right to vote. The meeting attracted women, businessmen and other community members. Asheville Mayor Thomas W. Patton participated and delivered remarks, the website said. Four days later, the North Carolina Equal Suffrage Association was organized, with Lewis serving as its president. According to the website, the meeting was considered an important starting point for organized women’s suffrage efforts in North Carolina.
1979 – Historic Asheville properties receive national recognition
According to the National Listings of Historic Places’ website, several Asheville properties and historic areas, including portions of Biltmore Village, were added to the National Register of Historic Places. Those recognized properties included historic commercial buildings, the Biltmore Village Cottage District and All Souls Episcopal Church.
Nov. 16
1917 – Deadly fire destroys Asheville’s Catholic Hill School
According to the Buncombe County Special Collections website, Asheville Catholic School served the black community from October 1892 until it was destroyed by fire on Nov. 16, 1917. The fire claimed the lives of seven students. For the next six years, classes met in other buildings in the East End including the Circle Sanitarium, also known as the Colored Odd Fellows building.
Nov. 17
2016 – Devastating wildfires begin in WNC; Gov. Pat McCrory announces $10K reward
According to the North Carolina General Assembly archives, the Cathey Gap Fire began in Western North Carolina, eventually burning approximately 123 acres. It was part of the devastating 2016 wildfire season, when more than 20 fires burned over 59,000 acres across Western North Carolina. During these wildfires, Gov. Pat McCrory came to Bat Cave Volunteer Fire Department in Henderson County and made the announcement of a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for setting wildfires.
Nov. 18
1927 – Cherokee County Courthouse rebuilt after a fire
A newspaper article in Cherokee celebrates the opening of the new Cherokee County Courthouse. The building replaced the previous courthouse, which had been destroyed by fire in 1926.
Nov. 19
2020 – Asheville task force votes to remove Vance Monument
According to the City of Asheville website, the Vance Monument Task Force voted to remove the downtown Asheville obelisk honoring former North Carolina Gov. Zebulon B. Vance on Nov. 19, 2020. The decision came amid a broader national debate over Confederate monuments and symbols associated with racial injustice. The monument had stood at Pack Square since 1896.
Nov. 20
2020 – Major fire destroys downtown Asheville businesses
According to North Carolina Government history archives, a fire swept through several buildings along Patton Avenue, causing an estimated $75,000 to $100,000 in damage. Businesses affected included Theobald Candy Company, Asheville Music Company, Borden hair dressing establishment and the Asheville Citizen newspaper building on O’Henry Avenue.
Nov. 21
1789 – North Carolina becomes the 12th state
North Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution, becoming the 12th state in the Union, according to the U.S. Library of Congress. This was a statewide milestone rather than an event that took place specifically in the 828.