Located in Asheville, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial is a historic site that is reminiscent of the life and writings of Thomas Wolfe — a celebrated American novelist of 20th century. It was formerly a boarding house, run by Wolf’s mother, Julia Westall Wolfe. Presently, it is one of the oldest edifices surviving in the Asheville, North Carolina area. Originally known as "Old Kentucky Home," the North Carolina home has been a memorial to Wolfe since 1949. It is noted for its Queen Anne style architecture, with drafty, high-ceilinged rooms. The house is found mentioned in Wolfe’s epic autobiographical novel Look Homeward, Angel – a classic of American literature. It has been depicted as ‘Dixieland’ in this work. Further, Thomas Wolfe wrote many passages based on boyhood remembrances experienced in that house. Built in 1883 by Erwin E. Sluder, the house initially had only six or seven rooms, with a front and rear porch. Thomas Wolfe, with his parents, came there to stay in 1906 and lived there till 1916, when he entered the University of North Carolina. In the same year, additions such as 11 rooms, electricity, and some indoor plumbing were made. A modern visitor center is located directly behind the Thomas Wolfe Memorial opened in 1996. It has an exhibit hall with personal effects from the Wolfe family home, Wolfe’s New York City apartment, and his father’s stonecutting shop. There is also a gift shop.