McDowell Agricultural Center History

Compiled and written by
Mario DeLuca, Agricultural Extension Agent

With the inception and growth of the 4-H calf chain from 1946-1956 and the increased interest in livestock and agriculture in McDowell County during that period, a group of agricultural leaders determined there was a definite need for an agricultural education facility in the county.

The McDowell Agricultural Center Inc., a non-profit organization was chartered in 1957 to construct and maintain a livestock Pavilion 132 Ft.x 48 Ft. with a show ring or arena 36 Ft. in one end and tie spaces in the remainder of the building.

A tract of land owned by McDowell County was petitioned for the facility. In a resolution dated May 2, 1960, the commissioners conveyed the use of this land to the McDowell Agricultural Center Inc. with the provision that should the county deem a need for the land at a later date, another suitable tract of land would be located and the county would assume all expenses for relocating any improvements the Agricultural Center Inc. had made to such property.

The pole barn style pavilion was built in 1962 on the northwest end of the County Farm tract on Highway 26 south. Construction of this pavilion was made possible by donations from farming organizations, civic groups, businesses, other organizations, farmers and other private individuals. The pavilion was constructed for use for McDowell agricultural education and promotion including the McDowell Youth Foundation Dairy Shows, 4-H Pig Shows, Junior Beef Shows, purebred livestock shows and agricultural field days and promotions including forestry.

In 1971, the commissioners opted to repossess the land and the improvements to locate McDowell Technical Community College at that location. Therefore on Oct. 14 1971, they permanently deeded the current tract of land to the McDowell Agricultural Center Inc. This tract was formerly known as the County Poor House Farm tract and is located across from the Prison Camp Compound on Highway 226 South.

In 1972, McDowell County replaced the pole barn pavilion which had been erected on the original tract of land with a metal pavilion of the same size. They also replaced the well and paved road going the pavilion.

Since that time, the pavilion continues to be funded and maintained by the volunteer efforts of the directors of the McDowell Agricultural Center Inc. for the improvement and promotion of agriculture in McDowell County.

written 1/26/95

For Rental Information Contact
Boyce Pool, Treasurer 1-828-652-5222

Directions: From I-40 & Highway 226 (Exit 86) Go south on Highway 226 about 1/2 mile. Entrance to the Ag Center will be on left immediately past the NC Correctional Facility. The Center is on top of the hill at the end of the driveway.

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e-mail us at: manager@mcdowellagbarn.com