Tanger's spirit of innovation, expertise, and commitment to excellence keep our retail platform and open-air shopping centers evolving — delivering an ever-better experience to meet the needs of our guests and retail partners. In each of the richly diverse communities we serve, our centers serve as a hub for connection and development, with a unique mix of brands, activations and experiences designed to engage our guests and drive our retailer partners' success.
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The History of Asheville
Before European settlement, Asheville was part of the Cherokee Nation. Bearing the name Untokiasdiyi, meaning “Where they race,” the Cherokee people used the area as a gathering place.
Settlement didn’t occur until after the Revolutionary War, in 1784, when Colonel Samuel Davidson and his family arrived, claiming land through a soldier’s grant. The settlement, initially named “Morristown,” was later renamed Asheville in honor of North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe.
Asheville became an important outpost in the Blue Ridge Mountains, attracting famous travelers like Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. The city flourished during the railway boom into the 1920s but faced a significant setback during the stock market crash of 1929. However, thanks to a committed urban renewal plan and efforts to maintain the city’s charm, Asheville transformed into the vibrant culture hub it is today.