Wash day before running water. NC Collection, Pack Memorial Library,Asheville, NC

YMI in the early 1900's. The gentleman at the far right is the Miller Construction Company owner, James Vesper Miller. From the Collection of Jaunita Boyd

1880 - 1900
6.1 Describe innovations in technology and business practice and assess their impact on the economy.

When the railroad, substantially built with African American labor, made it up the Swannanoa Gap in 1880, Buncombe County grew from a population of 21,909 to 35,266 by 1890. The African-American segment of the population grew from 3,483 to 6,630.

The railroad was soon followed by a water reservoir in 1884, with electric street lights and trolley lines in 1888. Only the wealthiest could afford electricity and plumbing in their homes. All others, Black and White, continued to depend on wells, outdoor toilets, and fire for cooking, washing, and light well into the 1900’s. However, servants who were employed by these families would have come to use these conveniences during the work day.

By the late 1880’s, George Vanderbilt was beginning the Biltmore Estate and employed a significant number of African-Americans on the construction staff and later on the Estate. The YMI (Young Men’s Institute) was opened in 1891 with the help of Mr. Vanderbilt, and became the fulcrum of the Black community. Designed by the working architect of the Biltmore House, Richard Sharp Smith, it exhibited structural beauty and some of the modern conveniences of the day such as running water and electricity. Records indicate it was used for classes in vocations, character development, socializing, and presentation of noted speakers of the day, as well as offering public bathing facilities.

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