Three of Lincolnton's beautiful murals are now part of the Appalachian Mural Trail.

Threshing Grain, The Rail Trail Train and the Madison-Derr Iron Furnace murals beautifully depict Lincolnton's history and our community's heritage.

"We are thrilled that the Appalachian Mural Trail (AMT) has selected all three as featured murals for the growing Appalachian Mural Trail," commented Carol King, chair of the Lincolnton Tourism and Development Association.

"Our vision for the Appalachian Mural Trail is to link the outdoor historical mountain murals near the Blue Ridge Parkway together as one trail. People can enjoy the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains through experiencing nature while learning about our mountain ways as they travel into the towns and communities on a mural quest, a cultural treasure hunt," says Doreyl Ammons Cain, mural trail Director.

"We are especially interested in the WPA New Deal murals that were painted in the 1930s and 40s and placed in post offices throughout the country," says Cain.

"Threshing Grain", located in the Lincolnton Post Office at 326 E. Main Street, is one of the remaining WPA New Deal murals. It was originally painted in 1938 by Richard H. Jansen. In 2005, the Lincoln County Historical Association, U.S. Postal Service, and members of Lincoln County's arts and cultural community gathered at the Lincolnton Post Office to rededicate the "Threshing Grain" mural. Sparked by the interest of an inquisitive Lincolntonian, Mike Ottinger, the LCHA successfully preserved for posterity one of nation's most cherished works of public art.

The Appalachian Mural Trail came alive in 2017 at the hands of Jerry and Doreyl Ammons Cain. The project has now blossomed into a viable, expanding success with 45 North Carolina historical murals on the trail. Murals on the trail tell the stories of communities located near the Blue Ridge Parkway throughout the mountains and foothills of Western North Carolina and Virginia. The Appalachian Mural Trail links them together and provides information and access to these outdoor artworks.

The Appalachian Mural Trail aims to draw high quality visitors from the Blue Ridge Parkway into the mural communities where the visitors will eat, sleep and purchase from local businesses. These visitors will learn about the community, it’s history and see the amazing art rendered by the mural artists.

Trail organizers hope to inspire other Appalachian communities to create their own high quality outdoor heritage murals, with paintings of folk tales, Cherokee legends, mountain music, and the beauty of the land.

The AMT is a partner with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and a member of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association. The mural trail is featured in the Blue Ridge Parkway Directory & Travel Planner, listed in their calendar of events with links to the mural trail web site and featured in the Blue Ridge Parkway mobile Travel Planner application. North Carolina and Virginia Welcome Centers are distributing AMT rack cards and The Smoky Mountain Host, the High Country Host and the Blue Ridge Mountain Host all promote the trail to visitors throughout the mountain area and on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

http://www.muraltrail.com/cgi-bin/lincolnton-wpa-new-deal-mural/#mention_1