the mcdowell house was identified in the 1982 comprehensive management plan for the overmountain victory national historic trail as one of only 34 non-federal historical resources which are directly or indirectly related to the trail. in early 2008, the home and grounds were purchased and steps are being taken to create a restoration and use plan. also in 2008, the mcdowell house was officially added to the overmountain victory historic trail. upon completion of the home restoration, this historic home will continue to serve to interpret the mcdowell family history, and the history of mcdowell county.