Carson House

Carson House is a three-story residence in Pleasant Gardens featuring a distinctive double-porch front and Greek Revival details, built using walnut logs from nearby Buck Creek. The structure combines traditional building methods with the refined architectural style common to that period.

The house was built in the early 1800s as an inn and private residence before serving as the McDowell County courthouse from 1843 to 1845. This change in purpose reflected the growing importance of the newly formed county.

The house displays how prosperous families lived in the Piedmont region during the 1800s, with furniture and personal belongings from that era. The rooms give visitors a sense of daily life and the habits of those who lived there.

Visit conditions can vary based on weather and season, so it is best to check ahead before planning a trip. Wear appropriate clothing for the area and allow time to explore the surrounding grounds at a comfortable pace.

The building once served as a stagecoach stop and counted Andrew Jackson among its visitors, who reportedly wagered money at horse races held on the property. This connection ties the residence to a notable moment involving a major figure in American politics.