Since the late 1800’s, the NC Department of Natural Resources has designated landmarks throughout North Carolina. In the Clayton area, there are several notable landmarks. Three major historical Landmarks in Clayton are Hocutt-Ellington Library, Stallings Mill and the Hocutt-Mill House. All three have a variety of unique characteristics that make them stand apart from other localities in the area.
Hocutt-Ellington Library is located in the center of Clayton. This magnificent historic building was designed by architect W.W. Sewell. Known for its century-round contribution to the cultural, economic and social development of Clayton and its neighboring communities, this landmark offers an exceptional opportunity to learn about our nation’s early history while experiencing a glimpse into the diversity of our heritage.
Stallings Mill is home to a great variety of interesting Landmarks. Some of the many Landmarks in Stallings Mill include: The Antietam Family Site, The Joseph Reed House, The Williamsburg Site, The Williamsburg Larder, The John Locke House, The William T. Templeton House and The Thomas Jefferson House. There are many more historical Landmarks in the area that can be explored.
The Hocutt-Ellington Library is on the National Register of Historic Places and is managed by The NCLC. This library has a collection of over four hundred books and one million manuscript pages. One way to find out about the many events that happened at the Hocutt-Ellington Library is to visit it. There are public programs that happen on a regular basis and Free guided tours are also available.
If you are a lover of history then the Hocutt-Ellington Library should be on your list of places to visit. It is also home to the North Carolina Museum of History and the Roy Griest Art Gallery. Another place that is worth visiting is the historic Asheville Art Museum. It is one of the largest art museums in the United States and is located within walking distance of the downtown areas. The Asheville Art Museum has one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the world.
If you love nature then you will want to visit The Pisgah National Scenic Trail. The Pisgah is one of the most beautiful places to go hiking and includes many overlooks where you can take in the breathtaking mountain vistas. For those who enjoy the ocean you can visit the Ocean Adventure Park. This park offers many different types of water slides and other water activities for the entire family. There are also historical sites such as The Soldiers and Sailors Home, The U.S. Air Force Academy, The First Presbyterian Church, The Spence Historic Site and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The park also has interactive learning programs such as Pikes Peak Environmental Learning Center, where teachers and parents can work together to teach kids about the environment and natural resources.
