Finding Aid of the Rosscraggon Wood, Inc. Records, ORG.7017

[Identification of item,] PC.7017, Rosscraggon Wood, Inc. Records, State Archives of North Carolina, Western Regional Archives, Asheville, NC, USA.

Rosscraggon Woods, Inc. is a non-profit organization created to acquire, administer and maintain a 23-acre tract of undeveloped land in southern Buncombe County near Skyland. The land was set aside by Rose Chapman (1860-1941) in order to create a natural preserve and sanctuary for native wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife.

Chapman, along with her brother and brother in law, purchased over 200 acres of open land and forest from the J. Evans Brown estate in 1903. Originally, the land was farmed and later a small furniture shop was created where local craftsmen created rustic pieces. However, it was the Rosscraggon Inn, built in the early 20th century, that became the family's greatest success. Rose became the inn keeper and hostess at the rustic two-story hostelry that attracted summer visitors from Florida and South Carolina.

Rose was a natural in her new vocation. In her younger days, she had studied art in Europe. Among her formidable civic accomplishments were helping to establish what would become Mission Hospital and the Buncombe County Library. In addition to preserving Rosscraggon Wood, Rose sold portions of land to create the subdivisions of Royal Pines and Rosscraggon.

Rosscraggon Woods, Inc. is a membership organization governed by a Board of Directors, who are elected at the annual meeting of the membership. Additionally, members of Rosscraggon Woods, Inc. also meet socially and for "work days" on the property.

Container Count

10 Boxes

Donated by Rosscraggon Woods, Inc. in February 2021.