Asheville Reporter

In the aftermath of the devastating Flood of 1916, Asheville’s riverfront faced a decades-long period of neglect. However, a determined community effort would eventually transform this once-forgotten area into a vibrant hub of recreation, social activity, and economic growth with French Broad River Park serving as a major stimulus for the city’s river renaissance.

Modern-day Buncombe County was originally inhabited by the Cherokee people. The Cherokee named the joining of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers "Togiyasdi," meaning “the place where they race.” When Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto passed through in 1541 during his search for gold, he encountered large towns and well-used roads. A smallpox epidemic had decimated the native population.

After 1783, white settlers applied for land grants and established large farms and plantations. With the arrival of the railroad in 1880, Asheville transformed from a livestock town to a center of commerce, industry, and tourism. Riverside Park opened in 1904 but was washed away by the Flood of 1916.

Asheville's rapid growth in the early 20th century led to plans for extensive park systems including a riverway park along the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers. However, local banks failed in 1930, leaving Asheville with significant debt which stalled new park developments for decades.

By the 1950s, pollution had turned the French Broad River into an open cesspool. Wilma Dykeman’s book "The French Broad" highlighted pollution issues and connected clean air and water with economic development. In response to TVA's proposal to build hydroelectric dams that would flood mountain valleys, grassroots groups successfully campaigned against it.

In 1976, regional planning began for long-term improvements to the French Broad River. Artists moved into vacant industrial buildings along Asheville’s riverfront around this time.

In 1986, Karen Cragnolin was hired to develop a riverfront master plan. Community efforts led to Jean Webb Park opening on the east side of the French Broad in 1988 followed by Carolina Power & Light conveying several acres along the river to Asheville for further development.

French Broad River Park opened on September 25, 1994 with features designed to withstand flooding including an observation deck with river views and picnic areas inspired by Riverside Park.

The French Broad River Greenway started within this park with less than a quarter-mile paved surface in its initial phase. Over time it expanded significantly linking multiple parks together providing recreational spaces for cyclists, runners, dog walkers among others.

A nearly one-mile section opened in 2023 linking French Broad River Park to Haywood Road fulfilling phase three from its original plan nearly thirty years before.