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Zachary-Tolbert House
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Zachary Tolbert House

Open for strolling, a wedding gift from 1852

Virtually unaltered for 150 years, the Zachary-Tolbert House in Cashiers stands as a rare example of vernacular Greek Revival style architecture in the North Carolina mountains.

Mordecai Zachary, the son of pioneer Col. John Zachary, cleared land for the house in 1842 and presented the completed house as a wedding gift to his new bride, Elvira Keener, in 1852. The couple raised twelve children in the home over the next twenty-one years.

The three families that followed used the house only as a summer dwelling, declining to add electricity, plumbing or central heat, or paint the interior walls. The plain-style furniture crafted by Mordecai remains on display. Through the years each resident family left graffiti, including business transactions, birthdays, visitors, and secrets yet to be deciphered.

The Tolbert family cared for the house, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, through most of the twentieth century until its donation to the Cashiers Historical Society.

In addition to viewing the eight-room house, you’re encouraged to walk trails on the property that date to prehistoric times and view archaeology exhibits.

The Zachary-Tolbert House is open for tours from 11 am – 3 pm Friday and Saturday, mid-May through mid-October. Group tours with trained guides may be scheduled in advance for any day of the week. There is no charge for guided tours, although a $5 donation is encouraged.  For additional information, please call 828-743-7710 or visit the website.

 

Located Nearby

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