The Block House, designated a National Landmark, dates back as early as the 1750s where it was used as a trading post and marks the border between North Carolina and South Carolina. The Cherokee Rock, a large, triangular stone set on end in the pasture at the original Block House site, is the spot where two states and three counties (Polk, Spartanburg and Greenville) converge.

During the Civil War, the Block House was used as a hideout for Confederate deserters and local Unionists. For the following years the Block House was used for gambling and had a functioning still and bar. In the 1940s Converse College’s president, Oliver Campbell, bought the property, made improvements as well as moving the structure 300 feet into North Carolina, and then procured it for Converse College. 

If you live here in Tryon, you know that the Block House Steeplechase is a big event every spring. The first Block House Steeplechase was run in 1947 at the Block House property. Interesting fact, it was the only track (therefore gambling institution) in the nation owned by a college or university. The Block House steeplechase was run on the property until 1988, when it moved to FENCE. In the 1960s, Converse College used the Block House property for their equestrian program. 

For the past 20 years various local professionals have worked out of the Block House Stables. This past spring of 2016 Kris Caldwell (Dragonfly Ponies LLC) began leasing the stables and started renovations to bring this historic site back to its former beauty. She resurfaced and matted the stalls, renovated the tack room and office, repaired the roof, plumbing and electric, built new paddocks and repainted the barns. 

This past January, Suzanne Russell, the coach of the Converse College Equestrian team (Lone Oak Farm) joined Kris and moved her horses and clients to the Block House Stables.

The Converse College Equestrian team is comprised of 14 handpicked riders to represent Converse from walk/trot to Open Equitation. They have had a great season so far, claiming High Point Team at Georgia Southern, Reserve High Point team at USC, Reserve High Point team and High Point team at both College of Charleston’s competitions. The riders are excited about moving into the new venue at the Block House. 

“There is just so much more room to ride!  We work in the ring and the countryside. The barn is beautiful and it feels good to be a part of Tryon’s history,” says Converse rider, Heather McCrary.

Isabella Lombardozzi, a private client of Suzanne’s, who competes her own horse in the Medal Maclay and Jumpers, said “I love the tack rooms, there is plenty of space so our equipment doesn’t get mixed up!”

– article submitted by Suzanne Russell