ECU Libraries Catalog

Creating the land of the sky : tourism and society in western North Carolina / Richard D. Starnes.

Author/creator Starnes, Richard D., 1970-
Format Book and Print
Publication InfoTuscaloosa : University of Alabama Press, ©2005.
Descriptionxiv, 240 pages : illustrations, map ; 24 cm.
Supplemental Content Table of contents
Supplemental Content Book review (H-Net)
Supplemental Content Book review (H-Net)
Supplemental Content Book review (H-Net)
Supplemental Content Contributor biographical information
Supplemental Content Publisher description
Subject(s)
Series The modern South
Modern South. ^A691605
Contents 1. Sanitariums, railroads, and the new south -- 2. Building image and infrastructure : tourism, development, and regional identity, 1875-1930 -- 3. Metropolis of the land of the sky : tourism and urban development in Asheville, North Carolina, 1880-1931 -- 4. "The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above" : religious tourism in God's country -- 5. National parks, ski resorts, and second homes : mountain tourism development after 1930 -- 6. Life, labor, and culture in the land of the sky.
Review "In the early 19th century, planter families from South Carolina, Georgia, and eastern North Carolina left their low-country estates during the summer to visit vacation homes in the mountains of western North Carolina. Those unable to afford the expense of a second home relaxed at the hotels that emerged to meet their needs. This early tourist activity set the stage for tourism to become the area's New South industry. After 1865, the development of railroads and the burgeoning consumer culture led to the expansion of tourism across the whole region." "Richard Starnes argues that western North Carolina benefited from the romanticized image of Appalachia in the post-Civil War American consciousness. This image transformed the southern highlands into an exotic travel destination, a place where both climate and culture offered visitors a myriad of diversions. This depiction was further bolstered by partnerships between state and federal agencies, local boosters, and outside developers to create the attractions necessary to lure tourists to the region." "As tourism grew, so did the tension between industry leaders and local residents. The commodification of regional culture, low-wage tourism jobs, inflated land prices, and negative personal experiences bred no small degree of animosity among mountain residents toward visitors. Starnes's study provides an excellent understanding of the significant role that tourism played in shaping communities across the South."--BOOK JACKET.
Local noteLittle-305131061154U
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
Issued in other formOnline version: Starnes, Richard D., 1970- Creating the land of the sky. Tuscaloosa : University of Alabama Press, c2005
LCCN 2004029036
ISBN0817314628 (cloth : alk. paper)
ISBN9780817314620 (cloth : alk. paper)

Available Items

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner NC Stacks G155.U6 S66 2005 ✔ Available Place Hold