New title “Old Fort” available from Arcadia Publishing

Morganton native Kim Clark is the author of Old Fort, a new title form Arcadia Publishing. The press is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Clark’s book, available April 13, includes more than 200 images.

Press release from the publisher:

Telling a story in pictures is Old Fort, the newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series. The book by local author Kim Clark is set to release on April 13, 2015. The book boasts over 200 vintage images, many of which have never been published, and showcases memories of days gone by.

Old Fort is situated near the headwaters of the mighty Catawba River, and in many ways it has also stood at the headwaters of American history—it takes its name from a fort that was the westernmost outpost of white settlement in America at the time of the American Revolution. After the Civil War, Old Fort was the base of operations for the extension of the railroad up the steep mountain grade to Ridgecrest, an accomplishment that is still considered a marvel of engineering and perseverance. A tract of wilderness in the Curtis Creek area was the first parcel of the Pisgah National Forest.

The dedication of Old Fort’s arrowhead monument in 1930 marked the first time that representatives of the Cherokee and Catawba tribes shared a peace pipe. More recently, one of the earliest acts of courage in the civil rights movement took place on the steps of Old Fort School. Old Fort showcases the rich heritage of this McDowell County town.

Highlights of Old Fort include:
• Profits from the sale of the book go to Old Fort Historic Site, Inc to benefit Mountain Gateway Museum
• Nearly 20% of the book is devoted to the railroad and the incredible feat of building the railroad up the steep grade between Old Fort and Ridgecrest
• The devastating flood of 1916 is illustrated by multiple images as is Albert Joyner’s heroic attempt to register a group of African American children at Old Fort School in 1958

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.