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The Museum

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." - Marcus Garvey

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City was originally part of the Murphy Branch of the Southern Railway, built in the late 1800s. It was used to transport timber, goods, and passengers through the rugged mountains of Western North Carolina, playing a vital role in supporting the local logging industry and connecting isolated Appalachian communities to the rest of the region.

The courthouse was built in 1907. It served as courtroom and county offices. In 1984, these services moved to a new location on Mitchell Street in Bryson City. It sat vacant for many years.

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Grants were obtained by the county to refurbish the building, which opened in June 2014. It now serves as a visitor center and Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore on the first floor, with a Swain County Heritage Museum on the first and second floor. There is no admission charge, donations are greatly appreciated and there is a scavenger hunt available for everyone. 

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Featured displays include:

  • One Room School

  • Restored log cabin

  • 1887 church organ

  • Children's activity

  • Video room, featuring a 15-minute film about Swain County history

  • Pictures of the North Shore area of Fontana Lake.

  • Quilts

  • Military

  • Memorabilia and tools from early settlers in Swain County

  • Rotating Exhibit room courtesy of Western Carolina University. 

  • Moonshine Still 

2 Everett Street

Bryson City, NC 28713

Tel: 828-488-7857

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Hours:

April - December:

Mon - Sat: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

January - March:

Mon - Sun: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Closes early Christmas Eve. 

Closed on these days: 

Christmas Day

Thanksgiving Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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