Visit the Lucas Mansion...

The Hiddenite Center's Lucas Mansion is a restored three-story turn-of-the-century Victorian house once owned by James Lucas, known as "Diamond Jim" Lucas. Step back in time as you enter the first floor of the home, restored to capture the era when Diamond Jim occupied the residence.

The Lucas House was built around 1900 in the Victorian style and two stories tall. Around 1915 the house was enlarged. It was horizontally cut in half and the second story lifted up to become the third story and a second story was built between the two original floors!

The house had its own electrical power generation plant, water system, bell system & fire extinguisher system.

Jim Paul Lucas bought the house to use as a second home. He lived up North, but came to the Hiddenite area to hunt.

The second floor gallery of the Lucas Mansion features changing exhibits of art and history.

On the third floor, visitors are fascinated by the magnificent doll collection dating from the 1800s on loan from the center's founder, Mrs. Eileen L. Sharpe. There are approximately 550 dolls dating from pre-civil war to the present. Visitors also enjoy the local gem and mineral collection.