Asheville in 1865 only had a population just a little more that 1100 people. It was a very important city during the Civil War. Preparations were made to fortify the city with earthworks (Preserved and protected area on State property) in case of an attack from any direction. One significant defensive position was located on Stony Hill. Macbeth Artillery (aka Boyce's or Jeter's) from South Carolina had a battery of four Napoleon Cannons up there. It would soon become known as "Battery Porter", named after its commander Lieutenant Starke Porter of Macbeth Artillery (aka Jeter's Artillery)
It was a reasonably safe place to be during the war, with the exception of deserters and bushwhackers and occasional raids from Union troops. There was an armory that produced muskets very similar to the popular British Enfield. It was located on the corner of present day Valley and Eagle Streets. This became notice by the Union Army in East Tennessee. Incidentally, employees had to be trained to defend and protect the works in case of a raid or invasion of Federal troops. There was also a Confederate Post Office, a Confederate Hospital and a Commissary.
I learned about this battle from discovering a grave in South Carolina where Pvt. Joseph W. Clark, a member of Jeter's Artillery is buried. Upon researching to find out more about him, I also became very interested to find out more details about his last battle which was "The Battle of Asheville" and the rest is history ! #asheville #Buncombe #civilwarhistory #battleofasheville #earthworks #macbethartillery #civilwarartillery #hikingadventures #hiking #thingstodo #thingstosee #touring