Southern Appalachian Historical Association

Keeping Western North Carolina History Alive Since 1952

Horn in the West™’s 72nd season will begin June 21st, 2024!

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The Hickory Ridge History Museum is CLOSED for the season. In town for a few days and interested in a tour? Give us a call to see if someone is available! 828-264-2120

Find out what life was like when the Western North Carolina high country was first being settled at Hickory Ridge History Museum. Educators and tour guides lead you in an immersive experience through six historic cabins, complete with artifacts and furnishings.

Created in 1980, Hickory Ridge History Museum strives to recreate the atmosphere of a small mountain community to show guests about the daily lives of our colonial ancestors.

Staffed with historic interpreters in period clothing, Hickory Ridge History Museum's series of authentic, historic cabins give visitors a glimpse into the past and a feeling for the daily lives of early mountain settlers.

Focused on the period of 1785 - 1805, the museum provides insight into the self sufficiency of our forefathers by highlighting the skills they possessed such as hearth side cooking, spinning, candle making, blacksmithing, and so much more.

Horn in the West™ Outdoor Drama brings to life the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and the hardy settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains in their struggle to preserve their freedom during the years before and during the War for Independence.

The drama highlights the settlers who came to the region seeking freedom and escape from British tyranny. Dr. Geoffrey Stuart, a prominent British physician, comes to the Colony of Carolina to study the dreaded disease smallpox, bringing his wife and son.

Through hardship and danger, house-raising and romance, the ties that bind the Stuart family and the small pioneer community grow. Dr. Stuart finds himself a respected leader in this hidden mountain community but has to resolve his conflicted feelings of loyalty to the Crown and his family's sympathy for the Regulators and their fight for American independence.

North Carolina Weekend on PBS NC

Upcoming Events

  • Third Annual Fiber Frolic at Hickory Ridge History Museum

    May 11, 2024 | 11 am - 3 pm

    This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages and is completely FREE to attend.

    Get ready for a day filled with fiber fun, including exciting activities like spinning demonstrations, wool carding, and a raffle for a spinning wheel!

    READ MORE HERE

  • Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival

    October 12, 2024 | 1-8 pm

    Step into the beauty of fall at our Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival! This family-friendly event, free to the public, offers a splendid array of activities and experiences for all ages.

    Join us for apple butter making, 18th century demonstrations, maker vendors, live music, raffles, costume contests, and so much more!

    READ MORE HERE

Excellent. A fantastic historical account intermingled with humor, action, and romance. Ticket prices and concessions were very fair. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Actors were fantastic. Especially enjoyed the song and dance numbers. We will be back!

— Guest Tim

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Southern Appalachian Historical Association acknowledges and recognizes the land and labor of the Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee), Watauga , S’atsoyaha (Yuchi), and Moneton people. Their connection to this land we remember, and whose presence - past, present, and future - we respect. As part of SAHA’s ongoing mission of supporting and fostering community and education of the western NC region, we understand and deeply respect that the land we hold so dear is the original homeland of the Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee), Moneton, S’atsoyaha (Yuchi), and Watauga people.

If you are interested in finding more information about the land you occupy, check this link for an interactive and in-depth map.

The mission of the Southern Appalachian Historical Association is to explore, preserve, and share the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Ready to hear from us on the regular?

We have big plans to support our local community, artists, and historians, and are excited for you to be a part of this ongoing journey!

Southern Appalachian Historical Association is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. We are actively working to increase the accessibility and usability of our website and in doing so adhere to many of the available standards and guidelines. Should you experience any difficulty in accessing the Southern Appalachian Historical Association website, please don’t hesitate to contact us.