Mortimer

Washed Away

State: North Carolina County: Caldwell County Founded: 1900s Abandoned: 1940 (flood) Peak Population: 800

Mortimer was a thriving lumber and textile mill town. A massive flood in 1916 damaged it, but the 1940 flood completely destroyed it, leaving only concrete skeletons of the mills in the forest.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Summer (swimming)

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 1 hour

Quick Facts

  • Destroyed by 1940 flood
  • Mill ruins visible from road
  • Now part of Pisgah National Forest

Location

Address: NC Hwy 90, Mortimer, NC

Coordinates: 35.9228, -81.7583