Historic Carson House
Historic Carson House
4.5

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles35 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2

podrozniczka60
New Jersey16,446 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
This historic 1793 house was the home of Col. John Carson and it served also as the McDowell County courthouse at the county's creation in 1842. The Carson House also was as a stagecoach inn and local social center. Many famous visitors stayed here. It is truly surprising that such a modest structure can be connected to so much local history. Since 1970 it is listed on National Register of Historic Places and is a part of the NC Civil War Trail.
The visit to this nowadays museum is guided in exceptionally detailed and informative way.
Written March 14, 2020
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mlhs2014
Marion, NC1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2014 • Friends
It is always wonderful to see cars parked at The Carson House and know that folks from far and wide are enjoying a tour and getting a taste of McDowell County history. Yet what most visitors don't see is the times that the home and grounds are alive with the sound of school children's questions during the many field trip experiences offered during the academic year. You can see the excitement as they try in vain to be still on the front lawn and porch, so anxious for the double doors to open for them to flood in and begin to sate their pent up curiosity. It is told in these parts that on more than one occasion a student has turned to a tour guide as they departed, awe written on their face, and say, "this was the best field trip ever!" You just don't want to miss a similar experience of your own here! And remember, the library here offers shelves and shelves of information for genealogy research plus local and state history resources. This is a destination you'll want to put on your calendar!
Written October 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dodgefj
Fuquay-Varina, NC13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2013
Historic Carson House Museum.
Circa 1790 's home of Colonel John Carson.
Open Wednesday - Saturday
10:00 - 4:00
Sunday 2:00 - 5:00
Admission $ 5.00
children under 12 free
Written July 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ulsterscotsman
Raleigh, NC1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2013 • Solo
Too politically-correct!!! Arrogant and pretentious, to boot! Docents are so bloody inept and unknowledgeable about the site, they have to constantly refer to a printed guide, issued to each of them. And, the inane and imbecilic slave exhibit on the 2nd floor (courtesy of their BOD chairman, "Dr." Jimmie Haney) and the proposed "jubilee arbor", are wholly beyond description and comment. One would be better advised to NOT turn into the driveway of the pathetic and irrelevant "Historic" Carson House and continue driving down US 70. Don't waste your good money or valuable time on such a worthless and common roadside tourist trap, please!
Written April 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kelly V
Charlotte, NC111 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2012 • Solo
I was real surprised about the amount of historic treasures in this house. It was amazing and I wish I had more time to read everything and spend more time there. The cost of admission was only $5.00 and very well worth it. A tour guide takes you thru the house and gives you the history of the house, area, and items within. There are 3 floors to explore in this house,plus a barn in the back with more historical items. I recommend this tour !
Written October 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hillary Chura H
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
First of all, the tour guide stayed open an hour late to finish our tour. The tour was amazing. The guide was very kid-friendly. She let us touch many items. She showed us a secret walking cane with a knife in it. She also let us hold a world war 2 grenade. She was very knowledgeable within the perimeter of her work. In summary, it was an amazing tour and you should try it.

Written August 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cheesecakeking
Marion, NC40 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Great place for history buffs to spend an afternoon! Picturesque location surrounded by the Catawba River and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Written May 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Wendy W
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
Just visited the Carson House a couple of days ago. Fascinating tour. The evolution of the house itself-from 2 cabins and the large Carson and McDowell family histories were covered. The civil war soldiers that ransacked the place and the family’s attempts to thwart them. The Carson’s role in government. The invaluable role of slaves and the freed slaves that stayed on after the war. Just a few fascinating topics that were covered. Very knowledgeable tour guide. AMAZING value. Probably not good for small kids though.
Written November 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MaryAlice R
Marion, NC26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2015
The Carson House is a must see if you travel thru McDowell County. It is located at Marion, NC on Highway 70 close to the hwy. The house is an example of Rev. War history. The Carson family served in the Rev. and their home shows what the residents of this period endured and how they lived. This wonderful home is a must see if you enjoy history and especially the revolution. The home has a manager/docent present everyday who is knowledgeable about the home and the times. The dining room is especially interesting.
Written June 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Leniece L
Rutherfordton, NC100 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2016 • Friends
I loved this tour! I am a history nut and I love learning about the past especially Western NC history. This house is very well preserved and full of little treasures from the time period. Standing at the front door I was instantly transported back in time where I could see myself on the front porch greeting guests as they arrived by horse drawn carriage. The house is packed with old documents, maps, quilts and other artifacts. My favorite was an 1800s version of a view master. (See pics uploaded for reference.) Take time to make this stop. You won't be disappointed.
Written February 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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