Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Balsam Inn, Balsam, N.C.

  • wcu_travel-16.jp2
  • This fold-out postcard for the Balsam Inn, built in 1905 - 1908, in the community of Balsam, N.C., contained multiple views of the inn and extended descriptions. The hotel was situated near the depot of the Murphy Branch of Southern Railway, a location that was touted as the highest railroad point east of the Rocky Mountains. The text on the card indicated that for its 1909 season the hotel had 'one hundred out-side bed-rooms, spacious and well ventilated, fifty of that number are en suite with private bath.' In addition, all of its rooms had 'electric call service, hot and cold running water, telephone and long distance service in the house.'