Then the 1800’s came

Those same qualities of life are what attracted those who were not native to the area, and then in the early 1800’s gold was found. At the time it was the greatest source of gold in the US. President Andrew Jackson initiated the process of what became known as the Trail of Tears to move the Indian populations. About 50 pounds of sapphire were found in the area around that time before the Gold Rush of 1849 hit, but the Native Indians were already displaced, and many died in the process.

Then the Civil War started. While mountain families were generally not as engaged as those farther South or North, many young men did get involved and numerous of those lives were lost. The area was severely depressed and mountain families suffered. There are many books and at least one movie about this time, “Cold Mountain” which is not that far from Sapphire.

With the growth of industrialism in the US came wealthy magnates and those with special backgrounds and skills, such as photographers, engineers, writers, artists, and many more.

Around 1890, E. J. Jennings formed several businesses, including one he called “Toxaway Company” and in 1896 J. Francis Hayes formed The Lake Toxaway Company. While the relationship between the two is unclear, just after the turn of the century the first Lake Toxaway dam and additional Inns and resorts were built.

With the expansion of the Southern Railroad from Asheville in 1898 came the ability to serve those who had such resources and skills, and the steepest railroad system in the US at the time was built to what is now known as Toxaway.

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