The body of water we know as Lake Toxaway did not always exist. Before 1902, this was a rugged mountain area thick with forest and no paved roadways to travel. But then, as now, people dreamed of getting away from it all, to rejuvenate their health, to renew their spirit. Many found nature to be this life-enhancing elixir. With that in mind, this remote wilderness area evolved into the exclusive resort area of Lake Toxaway.

Much of this transformation is attributed to the dream E.H. Jennings, a Pittsburgh entrepreneur who visited the area in 1890. A visionary, Jennings founded the Toxaway Company in 1896 that was responsible for creating several resorts, among them the Toxaway Inn.

The Toxaway Inn was built on the shore of Lake Toxaway, the first artificial lake of any size built in the Appalachians. At three miles long, one mile wide and with a shoreline of 14 miles it was situated at 3,010 feet above sea level. Considering the size of the property to be cleared and the equipment at that time, it was indeed a serious undertaking begun in 1902.

When the Inn opened in 1903, lavish amenities attracted the wealthy to visit this area and according to local historians, the Toxaway Inn never had a quiet season during its years of operation. Famous guests included Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone and Thomas Edison.

One of the guests at the Toxaway Inn who had fallen in love with the area while on vacation with her husband was Lucy Camp Armstrong from Savannah. In 1912, when land became available for sale, she purchased 40 acres. In 1915 her estate, including riding stables and beautiful landscaped gardens, was completed.