Backus, E. M., Lodge
Also known as: Camp Toxaway; Canaan Land
Why it's listed
Backus Lodge is a group of eight buildings on about 21 acres at 4,000 feet on Cold Mountain Gap, near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. Around 1908 Chicago industrialist Edward M. Backus built a 1 1/2 story hunting lodge of unpeeled chestnut logs, with a log stable and caretaker's cottage, beside a small lake formed by damming the Toxaway River headwaters. The logs were hauled by ox-drawn wagons and raised using earth mounds. In 1922 the property became Camp Toxaway, an exclusive girls' camp, and the Davis family added a second story to the stable and cottage, plus a guest house, barn and family cottage. After the camp closed in 1935, the site later served as Canaan Land, a religious and educational retreat, from 1955 into the 1980s. It is considered one of the finest smaller surviving examples of Adirondack-style rustic architecture in western North Carolina and reflects the region's early resort history. It remains in seasonal private use.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the lodge is one of the best surviving examples of Adirondack-style resort architecture in western North Carolina (Criterion C). It is also tied to the recreational development of the region by out-of-state industrialists between 1890 and 1910 (Criterion A). The site kept its recreational character as a girls' camp and later a religious retreat.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 88000689, listed June 9, 1988. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Cold Mountain Gap Rd., Lake Toxaway |
|---|---|
| County | Jackson County |
| Listed | June 9, 1988 |
| Reference number | 88000689 |
| Resource type | District |
| Period of significance | 1908-1935 |
| Architect / builder | Unknown |
| Architectural style | Adirondack style of resort architecture (rustic log) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Entertainment/Recreation, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Used as a private residence and seasonal retreat; the barn is described as deteriorating, and the buildings have been refurbished with electricity added in 1986. |
| Acreage | 20.6 |
| Coordinates | 35.16067, -82.99737 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
This is a historic district. Buildings within its boundary are either contributing (they add to the district's significance) or non-contributing. Owners of contributing income-producing buildings can claim the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit; homeowners should look at state credits. National Register districts impose no design review by themselves; a local historic district ordinance, if one exists, does (the difference explained).
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 88000689.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q19460336
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.