This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/Th.2ADI/2197 Message Board Post: I have a very important announcement for all McDowell Families... The home of Joseph McDowell of Pleasant Gardens is in Grave Danger of being destroyed. Please Help! "The McDowell House built in the 1780s is one of the oldest surviving frame houses in Western North Carolina.Built by Colonel Joseph McDowell, a Revolutionary War hero who fought at the Battle of Kings Mountain, this is the last standing home place in North Carolina for which a county was named. In addition, to recruting troops for the Battle at Kings Mountain, Colonel McDowell served in the 3rd U.S. Congress of 1793-95 in addition to his service as a N.C. state Legislator in the House of Commons from what was then Burke County, serving in 1787,1788, 1791 and 1792. Col McDowell was the son of "Hunting John McDowell, who received a Royal Land Grant from Governor Tryon on December 22, 1767 for 640 acres on the Catawba River a portion of which is the building site for this home. The McDowell Housewas identified in the 1982 Comprehensive Management Plan for the Overmountain Victory National HistoricTrail as one of only 34 non-federal historical resources which are directly or indirectly related to the Trail.As such it is eligible for Official certification as a designed site associated with the 330-- mile long resource. The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail was authorized by Congreee in September of 1980 and commemorates the Campaign of 1780 that led to American Patriot victory at Kings Mountain, South Carolina. Step #1 In order to Get this Home into a Protected status It must first be Purchased from the Present Owners. All Donations Will be listed in a Book of benefactors and Placed in the Restored Home.... send your Donations TO: The McDowell house Project c/o McDowell County Chamber of Commerce 1170 W. Tate Street Marion, N.C. 28752 Donations Are Tax Deductible