In 1902, Dr. Lucius B. Morse purchased 64 acres (260,000 m²) at Chimney Rock Mountain, including the Chimney and cliffs.
Morse and his family owned and operated "Chimney Rock Park" as a privately managed park from 1902 to 2007.
 Many small tracts purchased over the years expanded the Park to 996 acres (4.03 km²).
In 2006 the land was put up for sale.
Many feared the park might fall into the hands of private developers, but the state and the Morse family completed a purchase agreement in early 2007.

In July 2007, the General Assembly renamed Hickory Nut Gorge State Park to Chimney Rock State Park.
In 1902, Dr. Lucius B. Morse purchased 64 acres (260,000 m²) at Chimney Rock Mountain, including the Chimney and cliffs. Morse and his family owned and operated "Chimney Rock Park" as a privately managed park from 1902 to 2007.  Many small tracts purchased over the years expanded the Park to 996 acres (4.03 km²). In 2006 the land was put up for sale. Many feared the park might fall into the hands of private developers, but the state and the Morse family completed a purchase agreement in early 2007.
In July 2007, the General Assembly renamed Hickory Nut Gorge State Park to Chimney Rock State Park.
Chimney Rock State Park