From Staff Reports 

Asheville City Council accepted a $115,000 donation from Civil War re-enactors to repair the Vance Monument on March 10.

Widely referred to as the city’s most iconic landmark, the obelisk in the middle of downtown has been a gathering spot since its 1897 construction in honor of Zebulon Vance.

A 2008 city assessment of the 75-foot grainite monument showed a significant amount of corrosion, failing mortar joints, corroded markers and overall dirt and stain.

In 2012, the nonprofit 26th North Carolina Regiment, named for the Civil War regiment Vance commanded, took up the cause of raising money for repairs, something the group accomplished this year. The city will contribute $11,000 to repairs.

Chris Roberts, chairman of the preservation project for the 26th North Carolina, said he was looking forward to restoring the monument and re-emphasizing its importance for the city and the entire region.

Roberts grew up in Weaverville — not far from Vance’s birthplace, now maintained as a historic site.

A major donor to the restoration project was the Vetust Study Club.

City Councilman Jan Davis thanked Roberts and the other members of his nonprofit, calling for their work and the monument significant.