Enjoy the quiet of a wooded 1.24 acres off convenient Howard Gap Road, with mountain views everywhere, in a unique, quality-built mid-century modern home featuring a sola...
Listing courtesy of Walker Wallace and Emerson Realty.
Welcome to Overhill Farm, a stunning opportunity that is ready to fulfill your equestrian dreams! Situated in an upscale neighborhood, this level pasture land boasts lush...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker King - Columbus/Tryon.
Welcome to a charming brick ranch nestled in the sought-after Gillette Woods neighborhood. This meticulously maintained property boasts 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms and sits on...
Listing courtesy of New View Realty.
Welcome to the ultimate retreat in the heart of Tryon! Log cabin nestled on a sprawling 12.22-acre property, Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the proximity to Harm...
Listing courtesy of Walker Wallace and Emerson Realty.
Welcome to "The Lair," a contemporary gem constructed in 2019 that redefines modern living with its open-concept design. The great room includes a well-appointed kitchen,...
Listing courtesy of New View Realty.
This home is that wonderful combination of old world, 1910 charm, but with updated kitchen and baths. A classic Tryon cottage, with mountain views, walkable to downtown T...
Listing courtesy of Walker Wallace and Emerson Realty.
REMARKABLE VIEWS! This beautiful property is 17.71 acres and ready for you to build your dream home, install fencing and build a barn. The back of the property is wooded...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker King - Columbus/Tryon.
REMARKABLE VIEWS! This beautiful property is 17.58 acres and ready for you to build your dream home, install fencing and build a barn: Cleared, stumped and planted in fe...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker King - Columbus/Tryon.
Constructed in the early 1900s, this two-story antique house is situated within a 1.4-acre (±) property conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Tryon. A ...
Listing courtesy of Claussen Walters LLC.
Never been occupied NEW home with spacious open floor plan with a beautiful see-through fireplace with the cathedral ceilings. Large primary ensuite, separate thermostat...
Listing courtesy of The Overman Group Inc.
Carrollwood is a truly remarkable circa 1930's home located in the desirable Gillette Woods neighborhood of Tryon. Substantial yet not overstated, the 3BR/2.5BA home is l...
Listing courtesy of Tryon Horse & Home LLC.
Your Dream Farm! Classic Tryon Horse Farm with direct access to the FETA trail system, 4 stall custom barn with Lucas stalls and doors, huge tack room w/ full bath and a ...
Listing courtesy of Looking Glass Realty, Saluda.
Nestled within the heart of the coveted Stoneybrook community, this exceptional property offers a unique blend of privacy and luxury. Encompassing almost five acres and s...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker King - Columbus/Tryon.
A great opportunity to own a unique 7.74 acre tract located just outside the city limits of Tryon. The parcel is all wooded with long frontage on New Market Road. There i...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker King - Columbus/Tryon.
Enjoy one-level living--no stairs!--on beautiful Warrior Mountain, nestled into the woods, with complete privacy, on a 1.6 acre property bordering a large, 115-acre tract...
Listing courtesy of Walker Wallace and Emerson Realty.
ONE Block from the RR tracks - soon to be the new Saluda Trail System! Downtown Tryon Bungalow for Sale - Walk to restaurants, shopping, Rogers Park, banks, & within ste...
Listing courtesy of SC NC Realty.
Embrace serene living at this generously sized condo with three bedrooms and four baths nestled in the lush backdrop of Tryon, NC. The heart of this home is the expansive...
Listing courtesy of New View Realty.
Introducing The Hayloft, a historic home that belonged to Carter Brown, a key figure in Tryon's development as an equestrian community. An ultimate 24+- acre retreat with...
Listing courtesy of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
Charming 1905 2 BR/1BA home with separate guest/in-law suite in the basement, (also with 2 BR/1BA). Main level has updated kitchen including new butcher block counter top...
Listing courtesy of Tryon Foothills Realty.
Great opportunity! Wow! Wow! Wow! Located in the heart of the Desirable Green Creek area, this fantastic 14.47 acre parcel with privacy galore! This acreage features a cr...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker King - Columbus/Tryon.
Don't miss seeing this renovated ranch home situated in one of Tryon's most sought over neighborhoods. As you pull into the driveway, you will see a well adorned landscap...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker King - Columbus/Tryon.
Welcome! This stunning log cabin home is a true equestrian paradise, offering an idyllic blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Step inside, you'll be greeted by a ...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker King - Columbus/Tryon.
1940's Bungalow on HWY 9 with very close to the intersection of HWY 14 & HWY 9 - has A LOT of character like hardwood floors, a large picture window in the kitchen that o...
Listing courtesy of SC NC Realty.
Welcome to Belvedere Terrace! This small, 10-unit condominium complex is located just minutes from downtown Tryon, North Carolina. Act now as this is your opportunity to ...
Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Mountain Partners.
Mountain Views! Mountain Meadows is a newly created gated community in the heart of Tryon Horse Country with nearby FETA trails. It is designed for equestrians but equall...
Listing courtesy of Claussen Walters LLC.
Tucked in nicely to the Brookwood Acres community, this 3 BR, 2.5 BA home sits on 2.32 private acres with beautiful easy-care landscaping. This lovely home has everything...
Listing courtesy of Tryon Foothills Realty.
In-town home on a quiet street within walking distance of downtown Tryon. One level living with three bedrooms, kitchen, dining, and living room on the main floor. Laundr...
Listing courtesy of Blue Ridge Real Estate.
Mountain Views! Mountain Meadows is a newly created gated community in the heart of Tryon Horse Country with nearby FETA trails. It is designed for equestrians but equall...
Listing courtesy of Claussen Walters LLC.
Discover scenic views and landscaped grounds as you travel up the tree-lined drive, leading to a private paradise where nature meets art. Feast your eyes on a beautiful h...
Listing courtesy of Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Saluda.
If you want to be walking distance to Tryon AND have direct access to proposed Saluda Grade Trail, this is the home for you! Well maintained brick 3 bedroom, 2 bath home ...
Listing courtesy of Fathom Realty NC LLC.
Peaceful home on a shady hill tucked away on a charming loop road with historic homes, stone walls and tall trees. Feels remote but just a 2 minute drive - and a nice wal...
Listing courtesy of Around Tryon Properties.
Winter Mountain View!! Take the stone-lined drive up to one of the most picturesque settings in Gillette Woods. The circular driveway w/ stately trees & beautiful landsca...
Listing courtesy of Tryon Foothills Realty.
PERFECT LOCATION on a quiet loop road. Short walk to downtown Tryon, Harmon Field, Tryon Elementary, Tryon Country Club. Sunny windows to wooded views all around the upst...
Listing courtesy of Around Tryon Properties.
A rare opportunity in the coveted Stoneybrook community. A New England style Saltbox Post & Beam home nestled amongst beautiful mature trees on 4 acres of established rol...
Listing courtesy of Select Premium Properties Inc.
***New photos of updated flooring*** A charming log-sided cabin/cottage within walking distance of downtown Tryon. Large yard in a private setting surrounded by mature tr...
Listing courtesy of Looking Glass Realty, Asheville.
Incredibly rare find in Polk County, NC! Over 2,000 move-in-ready square feet with 4 bedrooms, almost 3.5 private acres while being 10 minutes or less to both Columbus, L...
Listing courtesy of Town & Country Realty of the Carolinas.
One Tryon Place Professional Building - Office Condo Building in Downtown Tryon - 688 SQFT Office Condo For Sale. OTP has a large inviting Lobby and Welcome Center that ...
Listing courtesy of SC NC Realty.
One Tryon Place Professional Building - Office Condo Building in Downtown Tryon - 1250 SQFT Office Condo For Sale. OTP has a large inviting Lobby and Welcome Center that...
Listing courtesy of SC NC Realty.
Nestled in a tranquil setting, this home features a level front yard, a front deck, and a patio that creates the perfect spaces for dining or relaxation. At the back, a c...
Listing courtesy of New View Realty.
Saddle up and ride for miles on the CETA trail system from this lovely 6.54-acre equestrian property. Amenities include an 80x130-foot riding ring constructed with sound ...
Listing courtesy of Claussen Walters LLC.
Three lots near downtown and city parks. One incomplete structure on left parcel (when facing property). Home is currently running off a temporary power pole. Center lot ...
Listing courtesy of B2 Realty.
Over 20 acres of unrestricted land, all wooded, just off paved State road. Private road serves tract, driveway partially graded in and graveled. Great building sites, one...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker King - Columbus/Tryon.
Updated, meticulously maintained 2 family home in peaceful setting with long range mountain views, overlooking nearby vineyard. The Tryon Chalet has been a favorite of va...
Listing courtesy of Tryon Horse & Home LLC.
Updated, meticulously maintained home in peaceful setting with long range mountain views, overlooking nearby vineyard offers numerous options for the buyer - a primary re...
Listing courtesy of Tryon Horse & Home LLC.
Superb location on the first rise of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Imagine building your dream home or investment property on this charming .22 acre property. Carolina Mounta...
Listing courtesy of Beycome Brokerage Realty LLC.
Welcome to the Warrior Drive community. This 2.95 ac parcel offers privacy and winter mountain views that could potentially be year-round with select clearing. No HOA or ...
Listing courtesy of Tryon Foothills Realty.
Public Remarks Potential and views abound with this 27+/- Acre property. The location is in the midst of Tryon’s NC horse county and just minutes from the Tryon In...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker King - Columbus/Tryon.
Beautiful home that has been completely renovated! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath has an open floorplan home and is move-in ready! Features include new flooring, cabinets, grani...
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker King - Columbus/Tryon.
Are you looking for privacy, peace & tranquility within minutes to downtown Tryon and Harmon Field? Welcome to this 'English Country Charmer.' When you walk thru the gate...
Listing courtesy of Weichert Realtors Mountain Executives.
Welcome to 269 Golden Rd., a home designed for the utmost convenience, offering the luxury of single-level living. Worry-free living is assured with the recent installati...
Listing courtesy of New View Realty.
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Tryon is a town in Polk County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,646.[2] Located in the escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area is a center for outdoor pursuits, equestrian activity and fine arts.
Tryon Peak and the Town of Tryon are named for William Tryon, Governor of North Carolina from 1765 to 1771 in recognition of his negotiation with the Cherokee for a treaty during a bloody period of conflict during the French and Indian War.
The area now known as Tryon was originally part of the Cherokee nation[6] of Western North Carolina. Archaeological evidence dates their occupation of the site to the end of the last Ice Age more than 11,000 years ago and semi-permanent villages appeared by 8,000 B.C. They later settled in towns with a democratic political structure, religion, domesticated crops, pottery and skilled, powerful archery. Each village had a peace chief, war chief, and priest and survived through growth of vegetables, hunting and fishing.[7]
Having landed near present-day Panama City, Florida on May 30, 1539,[8] Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto reputedly traveled up to what is now Spartanburg, South Carolina and north to western North Carolina.[9] Traveling on horses, de Soto and 1,000 men arrived in North Carolina mid-May, 1540.[10] In search of gold, de Soto explored the Asheville area and met with Cherokee Indians in Xuala, the area now known as Tryon. After a day or two de Soto continued his journey with provisions provided by the Cherokee.[9] Luys Hernandez de Biedma, one of de Soto's officers wrote of a group of men who made their way to what is now Tryon on May 21, 1540:
"The next day, they went to Xuala which is a town on a plain between some rivers; its chief was so well provisioned that he gave to the Christians however much they asked for: slaves, corn, little dogs [probably opossums]… and however much he had."[11]
After Tryon, de Soto went to Gauxuile (now Asheville) which in Cherokee meant "The place where they race", named for the walk around the perimeter of the village.[11]
In the earliest periods of settlement, the British and Cherokee enjoyed peaceful relations. A treaty signed in 1730 resulted in a greater influx of white traders and settlers.[6] An early home, Seven Hearths was built in 1740 [also have seen 1770] and reputedly the oldest clapboard house in the county (moved to its present location in 1934). A log cabin that served as slave quarters was also built about 1740 and moved and rebuilt next to Seven Hearths.[12]
The French and Indian War forever ended the peace that existed between the Cherokee and the English settlers, bringing to an end a relatively peaceful period.[6] The French attempted to ally themselves with the Cherokees, who had been loyal to the British, encouraged the Shawnees to raid settlements of the English and were allied with the Creeks. As conflict and tension increased, defensive forts were constructed, one of which was the "Block House" near Tryon.[13] In 1767 William Tryon, Governor of North Carolina (1765—1771), alerted to the heavy bloodshed in this part of western North Carolina, traveled to the area and negotiated a peace treaty with the Cherokee, establishing a boundary line between a location near Greenville, South Carolina the highest point on White Oak Mountain (renamed Tryon Peak by the settlers). Settlers, though, did not commit to the boundary and tension grew with the Revolutionary War. In the spring of 1776 Cherokee met on Round Mountain and planned an attack on the "Block House", Earl's Fort in Landrum, South Carolina and Young's Fort near the current town of Mill Spring, North Carolina. Aware of the plans, a Cherokee named Skyuka went to the "Block House" where he warned his friend Capt. Thomas Howard of the impending attacks. Howard and the assembled local militia took a trail towards Round mountain they met and defeated the Cherokee at a gap in the valley, now known as Howard Gap.[13] Skyuka's name lives on in Skyuka Creek, scenic Skyuka Road, and the Y.M.C.A. Camp Skyuka on Mt. Tryon.[14]
In 1839 a post office was established at the base of Tryon peak, both named after Governor Tryon.[6]
Tryon may not have be the town it is today had it not been for the railroad. In 1877 the railroad provided transportation from the South Carolina seaports to North Carolina, Tennessee and the Ohio Valley.[15] The particular spot that became the town of Tryon was the point were construction of the railroad to Asheville stopped for two years. West of Tryon, the railroad ascends the Blue Ridge along the Saluda Grade, which was the steepest railroad grade in the country before becoming inactive. At the peak of railroad expansion in 1885, Tryon was incorporated.[16] By the 1890s, there were six daily railway stops in Tryon.[15] The current depot building, built in 1922, is the third depot built. Passenger service to Tryon ended in 1968.[15]
As a means of correction, in 1920 Tryon became a town instead of a city since it had less than 10,000 residents.[17]
In 1881 and 1882 T.T. Ballenger and his father-in-law built the Tryon Hotel at 77 Chestnut Street at Melrose. In 1892 Mrs. Delia Williams purchased the hotel, changed its name to Oak Hall and ran it for three years. "Miss Clara" Edwards purchased the hotel with 36 rooms and expanded it to 66. Oak Hall had notable guests, such as David Niven, F. Scott Fitzgerald, George Gershwin, Mrs. Calvin Coolidge, Lady Nancy Astor, and Mrs. George C. Marshall. In October 1979, too cost prohibitive to maintain, the building was torn down.[15] It is now a condominium complex sitting on a bluff that looks over Trade Street.[18]
Appreciative of the ice cream served at Misseldine's drug store (previously located at the current bank location on Trade Street), F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote,[19]
The elevation is 1,067 feet (325 m) above sea level. The town's original boundary was established as a circle with a radius of three quarters of a mile.[17] According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.7 km2), all of it land.
Tryon is located near a "thermal belt", an area generally free of dew and frost that provides an enjoyable climate year-round.[20] It was the initial draw of many of Tryon's visitors and residents. In this region of the Blue Ridge mountains, air may be warmer on the slopes than the base of a valley,[21] particularly in the spring and fall, causing longer periods of warm weather throughout the year and greater crop yields.[6]
However, data indicate that Tryon has a similar climate to comparable areas of the Piedmont.
[hide]Climate data for Tryon, North Carolina (1917–2010) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °F (°C) | 83 (28) |
82 (28) |
92 (33) |
94 (34) |
98 (37) |
105 (41) |
104 (40) |
103 (39) |
103 (39) |
96 (36) |
87 (31) |
82 (28) |
105 (41) |
Average high °F (°C) | 53.4 (11.9) |
56.6 (13.7) |
64.5 (18.1) |
73.6 (23.1) |
80.1 (26.7) |
86.2 (30.1) |
88.4 (31.3) |
87.3 (30.7) |
82.0 (27.8) |
73.3 (22.9) |
63.4 (17.4) |
54.7 (12.6) |
72.0 (22.2) |
Average low °F (°C) | 31.5 (−0.3) |
33.0 (0.6) |
38.9 (3.8) |
46.4 (8) |
54.5 (12.5) |
62.3 (16.8) |
66.1 (18.9) |
65.2 (18.4) |
59.6 (15.3) |
48.3 (9.1) |
39.5 (4.2) |
33.0 (0.6) |
48.2 (9) |
Record low °F (°C) | −8 (−22) |
4 (−16) |
11 (−12) |
23 (−5) |
30 (−1) |
40 (4) |
44 (7) |
47 (8) |
35 (2) |
25 (−4) |
8 (−13) |
0 (−18) |
−8 (−22) |
Average precipitation inches (mm) | 5.23 (132.8) |
5.11 (129.8) |
6.19 (157.2) |
4.77 (121.2) |
5.02 (127.5) |
5.19 (131.8) |
5.52 (140.2) |
5.99 (152.1) |
5.14 (130.6) |
4.62 (117.3) |
4.27 (108.5) |
5.35 (135.9) |
62.4 (1,585) |
Average snowfall inches (cm) | 2.4 (6.1) |
1.6 (4.1) |
1.2 (3) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
1.2 (3) |
6.4 (16.3) |
Source: SERCC,[22] NOAA[23] |
Historical population | |||
---|---|---|---|
Census | Pop. | %± | |
1900 | 324 | — | |
1910 | 700 | 116.0% | |
1920 | 1,067 | 52.4% | |
1930 | 1,670 | 56.5% | |
1940 | 2,043 | 22.3% | |
1950 | 1,985 | −2.8% | |
1960 | 2,223 | 12.0% | |
1970 | 1,951 | −12.2% | |
1980 | 1,796 | −7.9% | |
1990 | 1,680 | −6.5% | |
2000 | 1,760 | 4.8% | |
2010 | 1,646 | −6.5% | |
Est. 2016 | 1,621 | [3] | −1.5% |
As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 1,760 people, 869 households, and 452 families residing in the town. The population density was 955.0 people per square mile (369.3/km²). There were 985 housing units at an average density of 534.5 per square mile (206.7/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 77.16% White, 21.02% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.68% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.25% of the population.
There were 869 households out of which 16.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.8% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.9% were non-families. 44.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 28.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.92 and the average family size was 2.66.
In the town, the population was spread out with 16.7% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 19.6% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 37.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 52 years. For every 100 females there were 72.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 68.9 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $31,449, and the median income for a family was $44,485. Males had a median income of $35,956 versus $23,333 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,347. About 7.9% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.2% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.
More than half of Tryon's full-time residents are "transplants" from other areas of the country, some of whom have helped to create the cultural center that continues to attract other writers, educators, artists and professional people like themselves to the Tryon area.[6]
Tryon's churches include: Grace Foothills Church (PCA) which meets in the historic Tryon Theatre, Tryon Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), Holy Cross Church & Chapel (Episcopal), Congregational Church, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, First Baptist Church, Trinity Lutheran Church LCMS.[15] Other churches include Garrison Chapel Baptist Church. The Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, originally a slave chapel known as St. Andrews on the Coxe Plantation, was moved to Tryon in 1955. Located on Jackson Road, it still has original furnishings and glass.[12][25]
The southern exposure of Tryon's hills provides a conducive environment for orchards and vineyards. Vineyards were established in the Pacolet Valley, on Old Howard Gap, and other Tryon locations.[21] By the 1950s the industry suffered due to decline in railroad transportation and competition with Californian grapes. Grapes, though, are beginning to make a comeback in the area.[15]
Bed and Breakfasts and Inns in Tryon include:[26]
The Tryon Fine Arts Center, located on Melrose Avenue in Tryon, is a visual and performing arts center that offers music, drama, film and other cultural programs. Founded in 1969, the non-profit organization offers a number of classes in the arts. The center's theatre seats 345 individuals and has a system for the hearing impaired.[29][30] Located, exhibiting or performing within the center are:
Established in 1960, Tryon Arts and Crafts provides the community with creative opportunities "through education, instruction, and expression of heritage and contemporary arts and crafts" created and showcased at the school. In the 1950s local artists offered space in their homes for fine arts and crafts. The blizzard of 1959 was impetous for creation of a formal organization. Grace Hall, a local resident who had been trapped in her home for three weeks, wrote to the Tryon Daily Bulletin with an idea: form a local crafts center so that area residents would have the knowledge to create arts or crafts so that in the wake of another blizzard they would have something to do with their time. Many agreed, including architect Carter Brown and Tryon philanthropist Violet Parish-Watson. In April 1960, 200 area residents pledged a one-dollar membership fee to support what would be called Tryon Crafts, Inc. "Recapturing Tryon's history as an artist's colony," local artisans began selling work and teaching classes. After residing in several locations, Tryon Arts & Crafts (named since 2004) is located at 373 Harmon Field Road, adjacent to Harmon Field. The facility offers professional studios for a wide variety of arts, such as fiber arts, pottery, jewelry, lapidary, woodworking, multimedia and blacksmithing.[33]
Tryon Concert Association claims to have been bringing "world-class artists" to Tryon since the first concert in January 1955 when baritone Robert McFerrin gave a recital. Soon after the performance McFerrin was the first African-American to join the Metropolitan Opera Company. The Tryon Concert Association provides a series of four concerts from the fall through spring with talent that rivals that of large metropolitan cities.[34]
The Tryon Little Theatre holds classes and workshops at the Tryon Little Theater Workshop on Highway 176. Season performances by this organization can also be seen at the Tryon Fine Arts Center in Tryon.[35]
Tryon Youth Center, located in a 5,300-square-foot (490 m2) building on US Highway 176, offers artistic, social and recreational programs for the young people of the local area. Annually a Youth Center Summer Musical production is held at the Tryon Fine Arts Center.[36]
Children's Theater Festival organized in 1978 offers "lively arts" for children including: "Eight to ten different performances, encompassing theater, music, storytelling, mime, dance, puppetry, and more are brought to Tryon on a Saturday in late March."[37]
Local historian and former Tryon Riding and Hunt Club President Colonel Charles C. Ross, U.S. Army (Retd.) said at a Polk County Historical Association meeting in April 2010, "The horse is all important in Polk County. Horses provide sport, pleasure, entertainment, business, and the good country living. It can be said that horses are a way of life in our pleasant community here in rural North Carolina." Much of that started with Carter Brown who came to Tryon from Michigan in 1917 and opened the Pine Crest Inn, a place where moneyed northerners could enjoy riding horses or play golf during the winter months. In 1925 Brown founded and was the first president of the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club. With Brown's inspiration, the Tryon Horse Show and the Block House Steeplechase were born in 1929 and 1934, respectively. The Tryon Horse Show "was so popular that the schools were let out and most businesses closed for the afternoon," Ross said. In 1956, the US Equestrian Team prepared and trained for the 1956 Olympics in Tryon. The Tryon Horse Show remains today as the third oldest horse show and a rated United States Equestrian Federation event, and smaller shows are held at Harmon Field and the Tryon Horse Shows are at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE). Many local organizations such as the Carolina Carriage Club, the Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper Association, Foothills Riding Club, and River Valley Pony Club hold shows and events.[38]
Morris, the Tryon Horse, stands at the center of Tryon. The Tryon horse, a large version of toys made by the Tryon Toymakers and Woodcarvers, was first built in 1928 for the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club. The current Morris is the fifth generation, three of the previous versions succumbed to fire, mischievous kidnapping and age and the fourth was refurbished with a fiberglass body. Morris serves as a billboard during the Tryon Horse Show and Block House Steeplechase Races. At Christmas, he is decorated with garland and a top hat.[14]
In May 2012, a group of Tryonite volunteers, in conjunction with the Town of Tryon and the Tryon Daily Bulletin (The World's Smallest Daily Newspaper!), banded together to raise money for the restoration and maintenance of the badly deteriorating Morris. The enormous statue was "kidnapped" in the dead of night on June 8, 2012, and held for "ransom". The refurbished Morris was returned to his rightful spot in November, 2012.
In June 2014, the $100 million Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort opened to host numerous multi-day, international-level equestrian competitions across several disciplines in collaboration with the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club. Located close to Mill Spring, the 1400-acre equestrian facility will features up to 10 riding arenas (including one with stadium seating for 6,000), 1,000 permanent stalls, elevated and shaded viewing decks, a large covered riding facility and the Tryon Sports Complex, which will include a health club, game room, kid's camp, sports bar, children's playground, tennis courts, mountain bike park, climbing walls, basketball court, and a large pool. The developer also plans to open a 150-room hotel overlooking the equestrian center in summer 2017.[39] The Center is set to host the 2018 World Equestrian Games.[40]
The Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) is a 380-acre (1.5 km2) nature preserve of trails for hiking, riding and bird-watching. The center, which also includes picnic areas and a pond, hosts equestrian events and concerts.[20][41]
The Lanier Library Association is named for poet Sidney Lanier,[42] who died September 7, 1881 in "the Wilcox home" on Highway 108 in Lynn, three miles (5 km) north of Tryon, which since has been known as the Lanier House.[12] The idea for a library was developed in 1889 by five women from Tryon with the goal of being "the source of intellectual and cultural stimulation for the community", achieved through library membership to local women. Two volumes of Sidney Lanier's poems, a gift from his wife Mary were the first books for the library. Initially the library was a bookcase of books located in several places in town before being formally located in the Lanier Library building built in 1905 and expanded over the years. In 1930 the library established an endowment fund to support the library and extended library membership to include men. The Lanier Library Association, Inc., previously called the Lanier club, was organized to provide library services and related cultural programs to the community. Lanier Library remains a membership library supported solely by membership dues, endowments and donations, one of only a few membership libraries in the country.[43]
The area is known for its scenic drives of tailored horse farms, hardwood forests, and kudzu landscaped scenery of the Carolina foothills.[20]
Tryon has a number of parks including:
As an interesting connection to de Soto's travels, Margaret Culkin Banning's novel I Took My Love to the Country features the town "DeSoto", known to be Tryon, which attracted visitors for its climate, performing arts and equestrian events.[49]
In June Tryon hosts an annual barbecue festival which is visited by many all across the US.
Tryon is located west of Interstate 26 that runs northwest to Asheville and southeast to Spartanburg, South Carolina approximately one mile from the NC/SC border. U.S. Highway 176 runs through the center of town where it is known as Trade Street.[50]