E. M. Backus Lodge

The E. M. Backus Lodge is a two-story hunting retreat constructed from chestnut logs with eight rooms arranged around central hallways on each floor. The property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, spans roughly 20 acres and includes several outbuildings such as a log stable, caretaker's cottage, and guest accommodations.

The hunting lodge was built in 1903 and attracted notable guests including Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone in the early 1900s. In 1922 the property shifted its purpose and later served as a girls' camp and educational center.

The property served as a retreat for wealthy visitors and later transformed into a girls' camp and educational institution. These shifts reflect how the place adapted to serve different communities over time.

The site is located in mountainous terrain in North Carolina and is best explored during daylight hours. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the grounds are uneven and buildings are spread across the property.

The building features original chestnut wood construction, a material that became scarce after the chestnut blight swept through American forests in the early 1900s. This structure remains a rare example of this sturdy building method from an era when the material was still plentiful.

Location: Jackson County

Location: Transylvania County

GPS coordinates: 35.16060,-82.99750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:05