Cradle of Forestry in America National Historic Site

The 6,500-acre Historic Site as seen from above along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The valley below is known as the 'Pink Beds' and, at the time of the school, was a patchwork of farmland and forest...

Cradle of Forestry in America National Historic Site

The entrance to the Historic Site off US-276 north of Brevard...

Cradle of Forestry in America National Historic Site

This is the 'new' visitor center for the Historic Site. The original burned to the ground in 1985 and this is the structure which replaced it. Bigger and better, this center houses some impressive interpretive displays, artifacts, a gift shop, and small restaurant...

Cradle of Forestry in America National Historic Site

This is a portion of the impressive interpretive area inside the visitor center. It depicts in vivid detail the natural processes of the forest community and explains the modern understanding of sustainable forestry...

Biltmore Campus Trail

The Biltmore Campus Trail, one of the two interpretive loop trails at the site, winds its way for about a mile past a collection of historic buildings which give a glimpse into the lives of the students who attended Schenck's school...

Biltmore Campus Trail -- Plymouth Rock of Forestry

Erected by alumni of the Biltmore Forest School in 1950, this small stone and plaque memorialize the founding of America's first forestry school which was founded here in 1898...

Biltmore Campus Trail -- Schoolhouse

Constructed ca. 1891; reconstructed ca. 1965 -- Before Schenck moved his school to the Pink Beds this building served local residents as a primary school and church building. Schenck utilized the structure for similar purposes and even provided funds for the addition of an organ. After the school closed the building slowly deteriorated but, through donations by alumni was reconstructed in the mid-1960's...

Biltmore Campus Trail -- Schoolhouse (interior)

Constructed ca. 1891; reconstructed ca. 1965 -- Before Schenck moved his school to the Pink Beds this building served local residents as a primary school and church building. Schenck utilized the structure for similar purposes and even provided funds for the addition of an organ. After the school closed the building slowly deteriorated but, through donations by alumni was reconstructed in the mid-1960's...

Biltmore Campus Trail -- Ranger's Dwelling

Constructed ca. 1882 -- this large cabin was once home to a man by the name of Hiram King. Vanderbilt purchased the home for use at his school and it was occupied by one of his rangers, George Gillespie. In addition to Gillespie and his family the home also boarded eight forestry students in the upstairs rooms...

Biltmore Campus Trail -- Ranger's Dwelling

Constructed ca. 1882 -- this large cabin was once home to a man by the name of Hiram King. Vanderbilt purchased the home for use at his school and it was occupied by one of his rangers, George Gillespie. In addition to Gillespie and his family the home also boarded eight forestry students in the upstairs rooms...

Biltmore Campus Trail -- Ranger's Dwelling (interior)

this large cabin was once home to a man by the name of Hiram King. Vanderbilt purchased the home for use at his school and it was occupied by one of his rangers, George Gillespie. In addition to Gillespie and his family the home also boarded eight forestry students in the upstairs rooms. This room is located on the main floor...

Biltmore Campus Trail -- Ranger's Dwelling (interior)

this large cabin was once home to a man by the name of Hiram King. Vanderbilt purchased the home for use at his school and it was occupied by one of his rangers, George Gillespie. In addition to Gillespie and his family the home also boarded eight forestry students in the upstairs rooms. This photo is of the kitchen on the main floor...