Shepherd Dugger House (c. 1855-1860)

This is a private residence. Please do not enter the poperty.

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Look across the street to the cheerful blue house. Thought to be the oldest house in Banner Elk, this was the home of Shepherd Duggar: teacher, surveyor, tourist promoter, and poet laureate of North Carolina. He was often referred to as “The Bard of Banner Elk.” He built his home as a boarding house. Originally, it had a large wing on the rear with rooms for boarders (Image 2 and 3). Rates were $1.00 per day or $6.00 per week and featured “spring beds and tables heavily laden.” Around 1912, the home was sold to John Henry VonCanon (Image 4) and his wife, Carrie (Image 5). The couple ran several businesses, including a general store, an evergreen company, and a Ford dealership. The rear wing of the original house was torn down during WWII when there was a lumber shortage. Turn right on College Drive for a short detour to view the Banner Elk Methodist and Presbyterian churches as well as the Historic Banner Elk Cemetery. You will come back to this point to continue your tour.