More than 100 years ago, Dr. Lucious B. Morse fell in love with Chimney Rock. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis and came to the area looking for a more "healthful climate." In 1902, he purchased Chimney Rock and 64 surrounding acres for $5,000. Not long after, Morse and his family began building a bridge and a road to the top. A local man, Guilford Nanney, was responsible for the first trail.
In 1946, they drew up plans for an elevator from the parking area to the summit of the Chimney. The massive construction project took eight tons of dynamite and 18 months to complete. Throughout the later half of the century, Morse and his family added more services and trails. All the while, the Morse family placed a major emphasis on the preservation of wildlife and plants in the Park.
In the early 2000s, the Morse Family and the newly formed Hickory Nut Gorge Partnership worked with state leaders to help preserve the Park for generations to come. In 2007, the North Carolina State Parks purchased Chimney Rock State Park. North Carolina State Parks has continued to protect additional lands and grow the Park experience into what you see there today.
Source: Chimney Rock State Park
