The Museum at the Wilderness Taxidermy

The Museum at the Wilderness Taxidermy

5040 Highlands Road, Franklin

A collection of unique animals from all around the world are on display. Visitors will see a brown bear, a lion, a polar bear, a hippopotamus head, a water buffalo head, a wild boar head, Zebra skins, a moose head and a gazelle. A wildlife art gallery loaded with photos created by nationally recognized wildlife artists are part of the museum's collection. The museum is open everyday except Wednesday and Sunday. Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Saturdays are 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.

by A.T.

The Dixie Hall

The

Dixie Hall

The Dixie Hall was a large private home in downtown Franklin west of where the current courthouse now stands. At one time it was a boarding house. During the Civil War it was the private residence of Julius Thomas Siler, a captain in the Confederate Army. On May 12, 1865 one of the rooms in the house was the setting of the last Confederate surrender of the Civil War in Western North Carolina. The Dixie Hall was torn down to allow for construction of the current courthouse and its annex.

Visitors can find out more about the Dixie Hall by visiting the Civil War Marker on Main Street in front of the courthouse, across from the Macon County Historical Museum.

by M.L.

Nikawsi Indian Mound

Nikwasi Indian Mound

The Nikawsi Indian Mound is located near the Little Tennessee River and marks the spot of the Cherokee Town of Nikawsi, now Franklin. The Cherokee Indians believed that the spirits lived under the mound. Important meetings where held there including a council with Sir Alexander Cumming and the Nikawsi Indians which led to a treaty in 1730. The Nikawsi Mound is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

by Z.K.

What's Happening in Franklin

425 Porter Street, Franklin

• October 9-11, 2008 Autumn Leaves Craft Show
• October 16-18, 2008 15th Annual Smoky Mountain Art & Craft Fest
• October 17, 2008 The 19th Annual Leaf Lookers' Gemboree
• October 24-25, 2008 Pumpkin Fest*
• November 28-29, 2008 Mistletoe Magic Holiday Art & Craft Show
• November 28-29, 2008 Mountain Artisans' Hard Candy Christmas Art & Craft Show
• November 28, 2008 Tree lighting ceremony at the clock tower.

* Don't miss the nationally known pumpkin roll!

by L.N.T.

Perry's Water Gardens

Perry's Water Gardens

136 Gibson Aquatic Farm Road

Franklin

Perry D. Slocum established the water gardens in 1980. His hardy water lilies and lotus flowers are known all over the world. The gardens are planted in sunken ponds on 12 acres in the Cowee Valley area. Mr. Slocum earned a place in the Lily Hall of Fame in 1986. He was president of the International Lily Society from 1988-1989.

by A.S.

Ruby City Gem Museum

Ruby City Gem Museum

130 East Main Street

This museum is the home of the world's largest sapphire at 162 carats and weighing 385 pounds. On display visitors will find an authentic shrunken head, local Indian arrowheads and tools, ivory carvings, rare gems and pre-Columbian artifacts.

by B.P.S

The Pendergrass Building

The Pendergrass Building was originally built by Rev. Jesse R. Pendergrass in 1904. The store sold items such as groceries, dry goods, notions, and school supplies for the next 70 years. The Pendergrass Building at 36 West Main Street in Franklin is now the home of the Macon County Historical Museum. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

by C.H.