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Grandfather Mountain Featured in New Book; Local Author Shares History with Spectacular Vintage Images

April 15, 2014. Celebrating North Carolina’s “Top Scenic Attraction” is the newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America Series: Grandfather Mountain. The new pictorial history from local author Michael C. Hardy includes more than 200 vintage images and memories of the mountain over time. 

Showcasing more than a century’s worth of images taken by a variety of professional and amateur photographers is Grandfather Mountain. These images, many of which have never before been published, highlight the peaks of Grandfather Mountain, which dominate the skyline between Boone and Linville. Author Michael C. Hardy shares the stories of the mountain, including how the mountain takes its name from its resemblance to the profile of a sleeping old manGM book cover; it was known to Cherokee hunters as Tanawham or “fabulous eagle.” 

The photographs and historical captions help share the story of the Mountain from its formation, through the visits of Native Americans and early pioneers to its most  recent events last year. 

Hardy also highlights the mountain as a tourist destination. He includes images of the visitors who came to see the magnificent views, brave the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge and observe the native flora. The advent of photography made Grandfather Mountain the High Country’s most photographed celebrity, with images crafted by the mountain’s longtime owner and champion, legendary photographer Hugh Morton as well as mementos of family gatherings and individual visits. Grandfather Mountain showcases the rich natural and recreational history of this North Carolina landmark. 

Highlights of Grandfather Mountain include: 

  • The remarkable construction projects that have shaped the Mountain’s history
  • Information on Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, which is the largest gathering of the Scottish Clans in the United States
  • Images of famous visitors and sites used in films and advertising
  • The 90th Singing on the Mountain that will be held at Grandfather Mountain June 2014.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers and online retailers or through Arcadia Publishing at 888-313-2665. 

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.