The Historic Carson House was built by two generations of Carsons, with the first one being Colonel John Carson. The Irishman began the construction of the log home on Buck Creek in 1793, expanding his extensive land holdings.

In 1841, Colonel Carson?s son, Jonathan Logan, inherited the house after the death of his father. He had major renovations done on the structure, adding a 2-story veranda and dressing the old log walls in clapboard and stylish Greek Revival trim. It was built to be a fine Up-Country version of the Southern Plantation house.

By the 1960?s, Carson House have had several owners and numerous renters. Its years of existence were beginning to show in the structure?s state. Local educators and historians, together with Moffit Sinclair Henderson, Carson descendant, and the citizens of McDowell County were able to raise funds for the rescue and restoration of the Carson House. In 1964, it was opened as a museum and library. It features a unique collection of research materials and books as well as family histories inside the library. Within the house, visitors can also find the Mary M. Greenlee Genealogical Research and History Room.