Property History
You can feel a change in the wind. This place, for so long a time, in so many ways, played host to rich memories, cascading backdrops, and age-old traditions. Originally earned as compensation by James Washington Fisher, Sr. for serving in the Revolutionary War, the humble beginnings of this land began as most historic stories do: tales passed from storyteller to storyteller, whispered around campfires to eager listeners, throughout multiple generations of the Fisher family. This story, the story of The Gorges at Lake Toxaway, just like those before it, has many tales about those who were an integral part in adding to its rich history and protecting its captivating natural beauty.
As generations passed, the Fisher family quietly thrived on this land located in Transylvania County. That was until 1902, when the development of Lake Toxaway began.The original lake was man-made with an earthenware dam.This area was purchased by E.H. Jennings, an entrepreneur who also established the Toxaway Inn,a popular resort for the rich and famous.
The Toxaway Inn hosted many esteemed guests including: Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and Thomas Edison. However, the area experienced a fierce storm in 1916 with 24 inches of rain falling in 12 hours. The heavy rains caused the dam to give way, draining the lake, and destroying the surrounding area. After the flood, the area was nearly deserted for 30 years.
In the 1950’s a group of businessmen purchased the land with an idea to rebuild the Toxaway area to its former prominence, as experienced in the early 1900’s. The group rebuilt the dam, filled the lake and established a first class, AAA 4 Diamond resort, named Greystone Inn.
Throughout its history, people have been drawn to this area. Numerous books, articles and movies have all highlighted the magnificence of this property.
The movie “Tap Roots” starring Susan Hayward and Boris Karloff, as well as, “Thunder Road”, starring Robert Mitchum, were both partially filmed in this area. At least three books have featured the property, including one written by Gene Autry’s back-up singer, Jim Bob Tinsley. Famed novelist and historian; William Gillmore Sims, wrote at least eight stories featuring James Washington Fisher Jr., his heirs and the property.
The Fisher family continue their forefathers’ focus of preserving this historical and naturally beautiful place and its artifacts. To this day, The Lake Toxaway area continues to be a premier resort destination and world renown natural attraction. And now the Fisher family opens up their historic home land for a select few to add their own history and build new traditions.