St. Louis physician Lucius B. Morse discovered the rugged beauty of Hickory Nut Gorge on his first visit in 1900 and, intrigued by towering Chimney Rock, envisioned making the area accessible to the world while preserving its natural beauty. In 1902, with brothers Hiram and Asahel, he purchased a 64-acre tract that included Chimney Rock and the surrounding cliffs for $5,000. Over four generations, Dr. Morse and his family built bridges spanning the Rocky Broad River, paved a three-mile road into the park, and created a network of stairs to many unique vantage points, including the top of the chimney. Improvements to primitive trails provided easier access to the top of the mountain and Hickory Nut Falls. They added restaurants, lodging, educational facilities and programming, and a 26-story elevator making the mountain accessible to all. The family's commitment to protecting and sharing this ecological wonder led them to sell the park to the State of North Carolina on May 21, 2007, ensuring that the Morse family legacy of stewardship would forever be continued. Chimney Rock is now the focal point of the greater Chimney Rock State Park.