Inspirations

An excerpt from Henry Colton’s 1859 book, entitled “Mountain Scenery.”

“Five miles from Lenoir is Hibriten, as pretty a mountain as any that adorns the earth. From that place you have a fine view of it and other lofty mountains, and, especially, from the observatory of the College. Leaving there at ten o’clock, we reached the cool and gushing spring, which is nearly a quarter of a mile from the summit of Hibriten, about half-past eleven o’ lock. At different points along the way up, we had magnificent views of the surrounding country. Though the road, then, extended no farther than the spring; yet, by this time it is finished to the top. Near that cool fount we hitched our horses, and refreshed ourselves with its delicious waters before we commenced the ascent to the top. Much money has been expended by the citizens there, to make that mountain a place inviting to all. And truly it is inviting and delightful. By the time one reaches the spring, he is sufficiently wearied to make him quaff its water as if it were nectar, and the soft and balmy air that stirs in that high place! no pen can describe it; it is sweeter than air which has swept across beds of roses. Close to the spring, and in full view of one coming up to it, there is a large board upon a tree, which reveals to the stranger that he can rest himself under the dark, deep shade of cedars, when he has attained the summit.

“So pleased were we with the thought of reclining under the shade of those cedars, and with that happy parody on George P. Morris’s sweet song, ‘Woodman, Spare that Tree,’ that thoughts of malicious mischief never entered our minds. Nor were we content to tarry longer there. After a short walk, up a very steep ascent, we found ourselves on the highest point of the summit, an elevation of at least 2200 feet above the level of the sea. Nor were we ever before so much

“So pleased were we with the thought of reclining under the shade of those cedars, and with that happy parody on George P. Morris’s sweet song, ‘Woodman, Spare that Tree,’ that thoughts of malicious mischief never entered our minds. Nor were we content to tarry longer there. After a short walk, up a very steep ascent, we found ourselves on the highest point of the summit, an elevation of at least 2200 feet above the level of the sea. Nor were we ever before so much

“Every shade and hue and figure of beauty imaginable seemed to be presented to our eyes, in the splendid circle of mountains which lay around us. The bushes and smaller growth on the top have been cut out, leaving the larger and prettier trees, and the ground looks as clean as if it had been swept. On the side of the summit next to Lenoir are those comely and excellent cedars, which strangers have been so handsomely entreated not to break or harm. They remind the visitor of those lovely cedars of Lebanon, of which he has read in the Songs of Solomon. And beneath us, and all around, were beautiful and highly cultivated farms; and then set in small mountains, which are dotted here and there with fields of oats, and wheat, and corn; and there are others still in the rear of these, which rise gradually, in amphitheatre style, into lofty and grand mountains.”

“This mountain can easily be visited in an afternoon ride from Lenoir. We should suppose that, considering its position, a sunset view from its top would be very fine.”