The Tryon Daily Bulletin

Round Mountain as viewed from Holbert Cove Rd. in Saluda and from Harmon Dairy in Green Creek. (photo submitted by Betsy Burdette)

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Story family gifts Round Mountain to Saluda Community Land Trust

Published 9:06am Thursday, January 24, 2013

Have you ever wondered about the name of the mountain on the south side of I-26 as you reach the top of the Saluda grade?
“It looks sort of like Chocolate Drop except that it still has trees on it and there is no erosion; no mud sliding down the side of the steep, bare slopes,” said Betsy Burdett, SCLT president.
The mountain is named Round Mountain, the site of the Revolutionary War Battle of Round Mountain. Through a gift from Jack and Louise Story, and closing costs provided by the Bradley Fund of Polk County Community Foundation, SCLT now has the ability to protect the 55-acre property from development.
“Round Mountain will never be developed. It will stay just like it is, covered with pines and oaks. Round Mountain will never have lights shining at night, because there will never be any houses built there,” Burdett said. “It is, and will always be, a safe and dark sleeping grounds for wildlife, free of light pollution. You might want to say goodnight to all those animals sleeping quietly on Round Mountain before you go to bed each night.”