1916 Flood in McDowell County
The summer of 1916 delivered a major flood near Marion, North Carolina, and sent some of its large rocks and boulders spinning downhill into the fields and pastures alongside highway #221. Nary a trace was left of many of the homes. Much of western North Carolina was devastated by the event, especially along the McDowell and Mitchell County line and down into North Cove. Flooded streets became raging streams and rivers. More than 80 people died. Hundreds of homes were destroyed as millions of dollars went down the drain.
The Marion Depot
Marion is a city in McDowell County, North Carolina, United States. In downtown Marion, the restored Marion Depot is the oldest surviving depot on the Western Rail Line which had its roots in 1855. Interestingly, Charles F. Fisher had the first contract with the company to construct the line. Later, Colonel Fisher commanded the 6th North Carolina Regiment and was killed while leading a charge on a Union Army battery at the First Battle of Bull Run. However, the Western North Carolina Railroad Company was sold at foreclosure on April 27, 1880, when was conveyed to Western North Carolina Railroad Company.
Names of Families in McDowell County North Carolina Genealogy Records
McDowell was formed in 1842 and taken from Rutherford and Burke Counties. It was named in honor of Colonel Joseph McDowell, an officer of the American Revolution. It is situated in the west central part of North Carolina, bounded by Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Henderson, Mitchell, Rutherford, and Yancey counties. Marion is the county seat.
Genealogy Records available to Members
- Marriage Bonds 1847 to 1877
- List of Miscellaneous Records at North Carolina State Archives
