Spruce Pine, North Carolina: Freeman's Animal Park (Gone)

Peaceful resort sits on spot formerly occupied by exotic animal park whose animals all died in a war between its owners and neighboring rednecks. That's the story we've heard, anyway.

Directions:: From the Altapass Hwy just north of Altapass, turn northeast onto Hwy 1128/Humpback Mountain Rd. Drive one mile. Bear left onto Henredon Rd. Drive 1.5 miles until it dead-ends at Springmaid Mountain Resort, which was built on the site of the Animal Park.
Admission:: Free
Status:: Gone

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Freeman's Animal Park - Vague Recollections

I worked at Springmaid Mountain in Spruce Pine for 2 years. The old manager told me a story about a wild animal park that used that land in the 1960s. I thought he was pulling my leg, but a couple of women I took on trail rides confirmed it, saying they'd been there when they were children.

Dr. Freeman flew animals in from Africa and supposedly had an elephant, a giraffe or two, and numerous smaller animals, like water buffalo and antelope.

The rednecks from across the river kept letting their dogs come over and chase the animals and after repeatedly asking the men to control their pets, Dr. Freeman shot the dogs. The men came over the river one night and killed all of Freeman's animals. There are still fences left up that once contained antelope and there is still a giraffe barn in the airport pasture.

I tried contacting Freeman's daughter and the Chamber of Commerce to get photographs from the time, but I've had no luck. I hope someone out there knows what i'm talking about.

[kristin, 05/07/2007]

That story has all the Deliverance meets Hills Have Eyes vibes you could ever ask for. Wonder if it's true....