The body of water known 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, and 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 ToxawayCompany 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 is situated at 3,010 feet above sea level. When the Inn opened in 1903, lavish amenities attracted thewealthy 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.