Big Tom Wilson

Information provided by Mark Huber and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Timothy Silver, Professor of History at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, whose specialties include Appalachian Culture and Heritage, and Blue Ridge Ecology, wrote a story about Thomas David "Big Tom" Wilson for Wildlife in North Carolina. It appeared in their November 1997 issue.

"Big Tom" Wilson led searchers to the body of Elisha Mitchell in 1857 and cemented his reputation as North Carolina' s most famous mountain man.

See the story Big Tom Wilson_WINC November 1997.pdf

"Big Tom" Wilson's cabin 1907

A picture of Big Tom's favorite poplar tree. Taken Sunday, October 6th, 1907. Four engineers with the Clinchfield railroad were working on "the loops" over in Mitchell county. One weekend they traveled to Big Tom's, asking that he lead them up to Mt. Mitchell. Tom declined, and his son Rich guided them instead. They stopped to rest at this tree along the way, Rich telling the men that he called it Big Tom. Rich is at the far left, closest to the mule.

Last Updated 03/26/2017 09:53 AM by Rick Silvers

contact me: rsilvers@mebtel.net