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57-663: The Tuckasegee River (variant spellings include Tuckaseegee and Tuckaseigee ) flows entirely within western North Carolina . It begins its course in Jackson County below Cullowhee at the confluence of Panthertown and Greenland creeks. It flows in a northwesterly direction into Swain County , where the Oconaluftee flows into it before the Tuckaseegee heads northwest. The county seat, Bryson City developed along both sides of

114-704: A National Scenic Byway that is 469 miles long, runs through western North Carolina, starting in Virginia and ending near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Two major class 1 railroads serve the region, CSX and Norfolk Southern . In addition, two tourist railroads also operate in the area, the Tweetsie Railroad theme park and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad . Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located southeast of

171-505: A mayor–council government . The city council consists of five members. The mayor presides over the council and casts a vote in the event of a tie. As of December 2021 , the Town Council members were Mayor Tim Futrelle and Councilors: Edie Tugman (Mayor Pro-Tem), Todd Carter, Virginia Roseman, Jon Dalton George, and Rebecca Nenow. Industrial, commercial, and residential development in Boone

228-668: A warm-summer humid continental climate ( Köppen Dfb ), a rarity for the Southeastern United States, bordering on an oceanic climate ( Cfb ) and straddles the boundary between USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6B and 7A; the elevation also results in enhanced precipitation, with 59.13 inches (1,500 mm) of average annual precipitation. Compared to the lower elevations of the Carolinas, winters are long and cold, with frequent sleet and snowfall. The daily average temperature in January

285-459: A 4-to-6-lane divided highway with a raised concrete median from U.S. 321 (Hardin Street) to east of N.C. 194 (Jefferson Road), including a new entrance and exit to the new Watauga High School, at a cost of $ 16.2 million. The widening has displaced 25 businesses and 63 residences east of King Street. The project was slated to be completed by December 31, 2011, but construction continued into 2012. Boone

342-444: A female householder with no husband present, and 71.7% were non-families. 38.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.97 and the average family size was 2.63. In the town, the population was spread out, with 5.8% under 18, 65.9% from 18 to 24, 12.1% from 25 to 44, 9.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.1% who were 65 or older. The median age

399-594: A multi-lane expressway, is the major highway in the northwestern part of the state. US 19 , US 23 , US 64 , US 74 , and US 441 are the major highways in the far western part of the region. US 70 runs east through the area, connecting Hickory and Asheville. US 221 also runs through the area. This highway, which begins in Perry, Florida , connects the town of Rutherfordton to Jefferson. US 321 runs north from Hickory to Watauga and Avery counties before entering Tennessee. The Blue Ridge Parkway ,

456-464: A per capita market income of $ 21,168, compared with $ 23,443 statewide and $ 26,420 nationwide. In 2000, Appalachian North Carolina had a poverty rate of 11.7%, compared to 12.3% statewide and 12.4% nationwide. Only Graham County was designated as "Distressed" in North Carolina. Six— Cherokee, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain, and Yancey— were designated "at-risk." Forsyth County (which

513-427: A total regional area of roughly 11,750 square miles (30,400 km ). This makes the region roughly the size of Massachusetts . During the early 1800s the western counties in North Carolina included counties located in the piedmont region, to distinguish them from the eastern counties in North Carolina that were settled earlier. As the western counties became more populated, jurisdictions competed for representation in

570-531: A townhouse on the main town plaza. The river also has several stone fishing weirs built by prehistoric indigenous peoples. It is believed that the weirs were built by peoples who lived here prior to the Cherokee in the Southeast. The weirs are most easily viewed when water levels are low. One near Webster, North Carolina , is the most intact and has a characteristic "V" shape. Fishing, hiking, and paddling are among

627-511: Is 31.5 °F (−0.3 °C), which gives Boone a winter climate more similar to coastal southern New England rather than the Southeast, where a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa) predominates. Blizzard-like conditions are not unusual during winters. Summers are warm, but far cooler and less humid than lower regions to the south and east, with a July daily average temperature of 68.4 °F (20.2 °C). Boone receives on average nearly 25 inches (64 cm) of snowfall annually, far higher than

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684-539: Is a center for bluegrass musicians and Appalachian storytellers . Notable artists associated with Boone include the late Grammy Award-winning bluegrass guitar player Doc Watson and the late guitarist Michael Houser , one of the founding members of and the lead guitarist for the band Widespread Panic , as well as Old Crow Medicine Show , The Blue Rags , and Eric Church , all who are Boone natives. The Blair Farm , Daniel Boone Hotel , Jones House , John Smith Miller House , and US Post Office-Boone are listed on

741-493: Is a major part of the economy in the area, which contains half of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests. Several lakes and dams are scattered throughout Western North Carolina, such as Lake Lure and Fontana Dam . Many visitors travel to the region every summer and autumn from major cities to escape hot weather elsewhere and see the leaves change colors. The timber industry

798-609: Is also a major economic sector. The Appalachian Regional Commission was formed in 1965 to aid economic development in the Appalachian region, which was lagging far behind the rest of the nation on most economic indicators. The Appalachian region, as currently defined by the commission, includes 420 counties in 13 states, including 29 counties in North Carolina. The Commission classifies each county according to five economic qualifications— distressed, at-risk, transitional, competitive, or attainment. "Distressed" counties are considered

855-739: Is also affiliated with the Presbyterian Church . Warren Wilson College , located in Swannanoa , is noted for its strong pro-environment policies and for being one of the nine work colleges in the United States. Brevard College , located in Brevard , is affiliated with the United Methodist Church . Lenoir-Rhyne University , located in Hickory, is a private liberal arts university affiliated with

912-619: Is at Cherokee, North Carolina . This region, taking in today's southeastern Tennessee, western North and South Carolina, and northeastern Georgia, is considered the homeland of the historic Cherokee. Many of the people were forcibly removed in the late 1830s in the Trail of Tears to Indian Territory , but others remained; their descendants make up the EBCI, among the largest of recognized tribes. Sixteen earthwork mounds or their sites, built by indigenous peoples, have been listed in state archeological records in

969-516: Is controversial due to its location in the mountains of Appalachia. On October 16, 2009, the town council accepted the "Boone 2030 Land Use Plan." The document is not in any way law, but is used by the town council, board of adjustment, and other committees to guide decision-making as to what types of development are appropriate. In 2009, the North Carolina Department of Transportation began widening 1.1 miles of U.S. 421 (King Street) to

1026-627: Is home to the Appalachian State Mountaineers , which field varsity teams in 17 sports, 7 for men and 10 for women. Appalachian State's football program has been successful with the Mountaineers winning three straight national championships in 2005, 2006, and 2007, the only team in North Carolina, public or private, to win an NCAA national championship in football. Aside from college sports, Boone also has local baseball and soccer teams. The Boone Bigfoots were formed in 2021 and compete in

1083-507: Is the sixth-largest university in the seventeen-campus system. Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute also operates a satellite campus in Boone. " Horn in the West " is a dramatization of the life and times of the early settlers of the mountain area. It features Daniel Boone as one of its characters, and has been performed in an outdoor amphitheater near the town every summer since 1952, except for when COVID-19 necessitated canceling

1140-461: Is usually grouped as part of central North Carolina) was the only county given the "attainment" designation. Four— Buncombe, Davie, Henderson, and Polk— were designated "competitive." Most Western North Carolina counties were designated "transitional," meaning they lagged behind the national average on one of the three key indicators. Graham County had Appalachian North Carolina's highest poverty rating, with 19.5% of its residents living below

1197-542: The Blacks , Great Smokies , and Great Balsams , are located here. Mt. Mitchell , the highest peak in the state, as well as eastern North America, is part of the Black Mountains. The region also has more waterfalls than any other in the state, and Transylvania County , located in the region, is known as the "land of waterfalls". Asheville is the major urban hub of far western North Carolina. Several other towns are located in

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1254-714: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America . Several community college systems serve the region, including Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College , Blue Ridge Community College , Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute , Catawba Valley Community College , Haywood Community College , Isothermal Community College , Mayland Community College , McDowell Technical Community College , Southwestern Community College , Tri-County Community College , Western Piedmont Community College , and Wilkes Community College . Three major Interstate highways cross

1311-613: The Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains , the two main ranges in Western North Carolina. The Asheville area regional government body, the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, uses this nickname. The federally recognized Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) have a reserve in this region known as Qualla Boundary ; it is situated adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Their capital

1368-539: The Great Smoky Mountains , South Mountains , Brushy Mountains , Sauratown Mountains , Great Balsam Mountains , Great Craggy Mountains , the Plott Balsams , and the Black Mountains . Mount Mitchell , in the Black Mountains, is, at 6,684 feet (2,037 m), the highest point in eastern North America. Valley and foothills locations typically range from 1,000–2,000 feet (300–610 m) AMSL . The major rivers in

1425-530: The National Register of Historic Places . Boone has an elevation of 3,333 feet (1,016 m) above sea level. An earlier survey gave the elevation as 3,332 ft and since then it has been published as 3,333 ft (1,016 m). Boone has the highest elevation of any town of its size (over 10,000 population) east of the Mississippi River . As such, Boone features, depending on the isotherm used,

1482-594: The North Carolina General Assembly and the Governor's office. Listed below are communities often considered to be a part of Western North Carolina: Boone, North Carolina Boone is a town in and the county seat of Watauga County, North Carolina , United States. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Boone is the home of Appalachian State University and

1539-634: The Tennessee state line and west of the Piedmont , Western North Carolina contains few major urban centers. Asheville , located in the region's center, is the area's largest city and most prominent commercial hub. The Foothills region of the state is loosely defined as the area along Western North Carolina's eastern boundary; this region consists of a transitional terrain of hills between the Appalachians and Piedmont Plateau of central North Carolina . Areas in

1596-550: The University of North Carolina system . Several small, private colleges and universities are also located in the region. Mars Hill University is located 15 miles (24 km) north of Asheville. Founded in 1856, it is the oldest college or university in Western North Carolina. Montreat College , affiliated with the Presbyterian Church , is located 15 miles (24 km) east of Asheville. Lees-McRae College , located in Banner Elk ,

1653-484: The 2020 performances. The original actor in the role of "Daniel Boone" was Ned Austin . His "Hollywood Star" stands on a pedestal on King Street in downtown Boone. He was followed in the role by Glenn Causey, who portrayed the rugged frontiersman for 41 years, and whose image is still seen in many of the depictions of Boone featured in the area today. Boone is notable for being home to the Junaluska community. Located in

1710-633: The High Country are: Alleghany , Ashe , Avery , Mitchell , Watauga , Wilkes , and Yancey . The Foothills is a region of transitional terrain between the Piedmont Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains , extending from the lower edge of the Blue Ridge escarpment into the upper Catawba, Yadkin, Broad, Saluda, and Savannah River valleys. The eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge drop sharply to

1767-649: The Tuckaseegee, and Bryson City Island Park was developed. The river next enters Fontana Lake , formed by the Fontana Dam upriver on the Little Tennessee River. The Tuckaseegee ultimately flows as a tributary into the Little Tennessee River below the lake. The name Tuckasegee may be an anglicization or transliteration of the Cherokee word daksiyi —[takhšiyi] in the local Cherokee variety, meaning 'Turtle Place.' Several Cherokee towns developed along

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1824-441: The age of 18 and 9.1% of those 65 and older. Boone is mainly served by three local newspapers: A smaller newspaper, The Appalachian , is Appalachian State University's campus newspaper; it is published once a week on Thursdays. In addition to the locally printed papers, a monthly entertainment pamphlet, Kraut Creek Revival , has limited circulation and is funded by a Denver, North Carolina–based newspaper. Boone operates under

1881-763: The area is protected by federal and state agencies, such as Pisgah National Forest , Nantahala National Forest , and Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The northern counties in Western North Carolina are commonly known as the state's High Country . Centered on Boone , the High Country has the area's most popular ski resorts , including Ski Beech , Appalachian Ski Mountain, and Sugar Mountain . The area also features such attractions, historical sites, and geological formations as Linville Caverns , Grandfather Mountain , and Blowing Rock . Education, skiing, tourism, and Christmas tree farming are among this area's most prominent industries, although agriculture and raising livestock also remain important. The counties that make up

1938-548: The cities of Hickory , Lenoir , Marion , Mount Airy , Shelby , and Morganton . "The southern mountains" refer to the counties bordering South Carolina, with the cities/towns of Hendersonville , Brevard , and Columbus being within this area. The region has three major public universities: Appalachian State University in Boone, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee , and UNC Asheville in Asheville. All three are part of

1995-557: The city of Asheville in Fletcher , serves the area with non-stop jet service to Charlotte, North Carolina ; LaGuardia Airport in New York City and nearby Newark, New Jersey ; Houston , Texas; Atlanta, Georgia ; Orlando Sanford International Airport near Orlando, Florida ; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; Detroit, Michigan ; and O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois. Tourism

2052-477: The contributions of its namesake. It is the largest community and the economic hub of the seven-county region of Western North Carolina known as the High Country . Boone took its name from the famous pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone , who on several occasions camped at a site generally agreed to be within the present city limits. Daniel's nephews, Jesse and Jonathan (sons of brother Israel Boone), were members of

2109-463: The eleven westernmost counties. Archeological and related research in the early 21st century has revealed that there may be as many as 50 such prehistoric mounds in this area, which were long central to Cherokee towns and culture. The southwestern and far west part of Western North Carolina all lie within the Appalachian Mountain chain. The tallest mountain ranges in the Appalachians, such as

2166-472: The foothills have developed newer economies, including manufacturing, food distribution , utilities , and health care. Many farmers in the northern foothills are poultry farmers. Vineyards have also been developed, along with associated winemaking and popular retail. Among the towns of the North Carolina foothills region are: Elkin , Forest City , Glen Alpine , Granite Falls , Hudson , Lake Lure , Rutherfordton , Spindale , Tryon , and Valdese ; and

2223-544: The foothills section, going from 3,500 to 4,000 feet (1,000–1,200 m) at the top to 1,000–1,500 feet at the base. The foothills region contains numerous lower peaks and isolated mountain ranges, such as the South Mountains , Brushy Mountains , and Stone Mountain State Park . The foothills are divided into many small river and creek valleys where much of the region's population lives. Although no large cities are located in

2280-603: The foothills, the subregion contains many smaller cities and towns. These towns were often developed by European Americans around a single industry, such as furniture or textiles, which depended on local waterpower as their energy sources. In the late 20th century, many of these industries and their associated jobs moved offshore to other countries due to globalization , although they still remain prevalent in some foothill areas. The towns that depended upon them economically often suffered from job and population losses of people moving to areas of more economic opportunity. Some areas of

2337-524: The headquarters of the disaster and medical relief organization Samaritan's Purse . The population was 19,092 at the 2020 census . The town is named for famous American pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone , and every summer from 1952 has hosted an outdoor amphitheatre drama, Horn in the West , portraying the British settlement of the area during the American Revolutionary War and featuring

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2394-495: The hills just north of Downtown Boone, a free black community has existed in the area since before the Civil War . Although integration in the mid-20th century led to many of the businesses in the neighborhood closing in favor of their downtown counterparts, descendants of the original inhabitants still live in the neighborhood. Junaluska is also home to one of the few majority-African American Mennonite Brethren congregations. Boone

2451-562: The lowland areas in the rest of North Carolina . On January 21, 1985, the temperature fell to −24 °F (−31 °C). As of the 2020 United States census , there were 19,092 people, 5,905 households, and 1,641 families residing in the town. As of the census of 2000, there were 13,472 people, 4,374 households, and 1,237 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,307.0 people per square mile (890.7 people/km ). There were 4,748 housing units at an average density of 813.0 per square mile (313.9/km ). The racial makeup of

2508-523: The most economically endangered and "attainment" counties are the most economically prosperous. The three indicators used for such classification are three-year average unemployment rate, market income per capita, and poverty rate. In 2003, Appalachian North Carolina— which included most counties of Western North Carolina and two counties in central North Carolina— had a three-year average unemployment rate of 6%, compared with 6.2% statewide and 5.5% nationwide. In 2002, Appalachian North Carolina had

2565-542: The mounds in this area were built by about 1000 CE, during the South Appalachian Mississippian culture era. In each of their major towns, the Cherokee built a townhouse as their expression of public architecture on top of such a mound, if it existed. The townhouse was the Cherokee expression of public architecture, emphasizing their decentralized society based on community consensus. In some places, they built

2622-516: The northwest portion of the Western North Carolina region, including Boone and Blowing Rock , commonly use the nickname " The High Country ". The term Land of the Sky (or Land-of-Sky ) is a common nickname for the Asheville area. The term is derived from the title of the novel, Land of the Sky (1876), written by Mrs. Frances Tiernan, under the pseudonym Christian Reid . She often refers in this book to

2679-491: The poverty line. Forsyth had Appalachian North Carolina's highest per capita income at $ 26,987. Watauga County's unemployment rate of 2.3% was lowest of all 420 counties in the Appalachian region. The changes brought by increased tourism and population growth from retirees and persons migrating to the region have been double-edged. Local businesses have benefited from increased economic revenue, but increases in costs of living and loss of natural habitat to development, can degrade

2736-426: The quality of life for which the region has become notable. There are 82 mountain peaks between 5,000 and 6,000 feet (1,500 and 1,800 m) in elevation in western North Carolina, and 43 peaks rise to over 6,000 feet (1,800 m). The mountains in Western North Carolina are part of the Blue Ridge Mountains , which are part of the Appalachian Mountains . The Blue Ridge Mountains contain several subranges, such as

2793-508: The recreational opportunities along the river. This article about a location in Jackson County , North Carolina is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article about a location in Swain County, North Carolina is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article related to a river in North Carolina is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Western North Carolina Located east of

2850-806: The region include the French Broad River , Nolichucky River , Watauga River , Little Tennessee River , and Hiwassee River flowing into the Tennessee River valley; the New River flowing into the Ohio River valley; and the headwaters and upper valleys of the Catawba River , Yadkin River , Broad River , and Saluda River flowing through the foothills towards the Atlantic. The Eastern Continental Divide runs through

2907-589: The region, dividing Tennessee -bound streams from those flowing through the Carolinas and into the Atlantic Ocean. Western North Carolina is generally considered to consist of 23 counties. The counties commonly included in the region are as follows: Other counties that fall under various definitions of Western North Carolina include: Alexander County , Catawba County , Cleveland County , Surry County and Yadkin County . When these counties are added, they form

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2964-488: The region, such as Hendersonville , Waynesville , Brevard , Canton , and Sylva . Cullowhee , near Sylva, is home to Western Carolina University . This area also includes a few hydroelectric projects managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority , including Fontana Dam . Tourism, especially outdoor ventures such as canoeing, whitewater rafting, camping, and fishing are important for many local economies. Much of

3021-425: The region: Interstate 40 , which traverses east–west, Interstate 77 , which runs north–south through the northeastern section of Western North Carolina, and Interstate 26 , which traverses north–south (although it is classified as an east–west highway for most of its route and is signed as such). Interstate 240 is the only auxiliary interstate route in the region, and it serves downtown Asheville. US 421 ,

3078-589: The river, including Kituwa , believed to be the "mother town" of the Cherokee. It developed around an earthen platform mound , likely built about 1000 CE. The mound, although reduced in height, is visible on the 309 acres (1.25 km) of land reacquired in 1996 by the federally recognized Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians . This land also includes the former site of an early 18th-century Cherokee town. The EBCI conducted an archeological survey in 1997 that found evidence of thousands of years of habitation at this site and are keeping it undeveloped as sacred ground. Many of

3135-408: The town was 93.98% White , 3.42% Black or African American , 0.30% Native American , 1.19% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 0.46% from other races , and 0.60% from two or more races . 1.64% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 4,374 households, out of which 9.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 21.0% were married couples living together, 5.6% had

3192-431: The town's first church, Three Forks Baptist, still in existence today. Boone was served by the narrow gauge East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (nicknamed " Tweetsie ") until the flood of 1940. The flood washed away much of the tracks and it was decided not to replace them. Boone is the home of Appalachian State University , a constituent member of the University of North Carolina . Appalachian State

3249-446: Was 21 years. For every 100 females, there are 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males. The median income for a household in the town was $ 20,541, and the median income for a family was $ 49,762. The per capita income was $ 12,256. Males had a median income of $ 28,060 versus $ 20,000 for females. About 9.2% of families and 37.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 6.3% of those under

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