History of White trolley Tours

Our History

The White Trolley Line is Asheville’s ORIGINAL and only locally owned and operated trolley tour. With a love for the history and architecture of Asheville, Rich and Ann Mills realized they could share their passion with the growing number of visitors enjoying their city. Their dream became a reality in 2001 when they bought their first trolley and began service as Asheville’s Historic White Trolley Line. Today the fleet of white trolleys transports Asheville’s many visitors on a one of a kind live narrated tour highlighting the diverse essence of Asheville, “Land of the Sky”. We offer Asheville’s original and best-rated ghost tour, narrated by best-selling author, Joshua P. Warren. We also charter our pristine white trolleys for weddings and special events.

In 2011 Asheville Historic Trolley Tours was purchased by third generation Asheville native, Irven Myer Stevenson. This acquisition assures the continued high standard of promoting Asheville by giving her guests and residents exceptional service. The Trolley Line joins Round-A-Bout Transportation as an MTS (Mobility Transport Solutions) company. Now we can offer our clients a wider range of transportation services including ambulatory and wheelchair transportation, shuttle services and excursions.

Growing up in Asheville Irven Stevenson was greatly influenced by her natural surroundings, by the commitment of her parents and grandparents to the Asheville community and by her grandfather’s love of architecture. Henry Irven Gaines began his architectural career in Asheville in 1924. When building came to a stand still during the Great Depression he supported his wife and daughter by selling apple juice, Kings Maleum, which is also the title of his biography. In 1940 he joined with five other architects to form the Six Associates, which became a leading firm in the area. Henry Gaines’ work spanned 50 years and included many residential, industrial, ecclesiastical and academic projects in western North Carolina and beyond. Some of the buildings are viewed on the Historic Trolley Tour.