Go back in time to a rural retreat for summer visitors
Historic Johnson Farm, a late 19th-early 20th century farm and summer retreat near Hendersonville, gives visitors a peek into days-gone-by and a way of life that is rapidly disappearing across America.
The handmade brick farm house was constructed in 1880 and an additional house was added in 1923. During the first half of the 20th century, Mrs. Sallie Johnson and her sons, Vernon and Leander, operated Johnson Farm as a summer boarding house and tourist retreat. Visitors helped with farm chores but also enjoyed front porch rocking chairs, cool evenings, square dances, and Sunday ice cream.
After their mother’s death, the sons did much to improve the educational facilities in Henderson County. They donated many acres of farm land for the construction of a new middle school, helped landscape West Henderson High School, and supervised the building of the football stadium there. At their deaths, the Johnson Farm was bequeathed to Henderson County Public Schools.
Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Johnson Farm is visited by school groups, tourists and others who relish the rare opportunity to experience an authentic 19th-20th century North Carolina family farm and summer retreat.
Visitors of the Historic Johnson Farm are welcome to walk the grounds, take the self-guided audio tour, visit with the animals, bring a picnic lunch, and enjoy two nature trails. The Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists are currently on the grounds as well, every weekday from 10 a.m. -4 p.m with classes and study groups. They also have a gift shop with the items they make.
Check the website for current hours, fees and to book tours.
