Flick International Quaint mountain town of Marshall, North Carolina, with the French Broad River and a thriving outdoor cafe.

Marshall, North Carolina Emerges Stronger After Hurricane Helene’s Destruction

Marshall, North Carolina Emerges Stronger After Hurricane Helene’s Destruction

The small mountain town of Marshall, North Carolina, and its resilient community are embracing a new chapter nearly nine months after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc. The hurricane, which surged through Western North Carolina, caused significant damage to homes and businesses, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape.

Located just 30 minutes north of Asheville, Marshall endured relentless flooding, as the French Broad River rose nearly 25 feet during the storm, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Now, with renewed hope, local business owners are ready to welcome visitors back to their beloved town.

A Community Ready to Reopen

In May, Marshall reopened its doors to tourists and locals, igniting a spark of hope among business owners eager to reclaim their livelihoods. Week by week, more businesses are coming back to life, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with positivity.

Connie Molland, co-founder of Flow Gallery, reflects on the heart-wrenching aftermath of the storm. “I had no words, I mean I was crying,” she shared. The gallery she cherished was overwhelmed by mud and debris, and she faced the emotional challenge of seeing her once-pristine space covered in destruction.

Emphasizing Resilience

Molland and her team lost approximately 30% of the handcrafted art they proudly displayed before Helene struck. Despite these tremendous setbacks, Molland remains determined to rebuild. “We tried to gather as much as we could,