The History & Heritage of
Mitchell County, NC

The Mitchell County Historical Society is committed to the preservation of the history, heritage, and culture of Mitchell County, North Carolina. We hope you enjoy your visit and stop by often for updated stories, photos, and videos.

Photo of the entrance to the McBee Museum in Bakersville, NC

Help Renovate & Enhance The McBee Museum

MCHS is undertaking work to renovate and enhance the McBee Museum, one of the oldest buildings in Bakersville. We have worked with structural specialists and museum archivists to develop a plan that will protect the building and enhance its displays. Won’t you help us? Learn more about the project.

MCHS Membership & Newsletter

Image of the front cover of the Third Quarter MCHS NewsletterPlease consider becoming a member of the Mitchell County Historical Society.

Discounts on merchandise purchased from the MCHS store are but one of the many goodies for members of MCHS. Here is a preview of the newsletter members receive, the Quarterly Review. Download a copy (PDF file – opens with the free Adobe Reader software) and see what members will be receiving beginning in the new year. Plus, you will get advance notice (and input) on our presentation series, opportunities to volunteer to help preserve our history, and access to online resources to research topics and genealogy in our office located in the Historic Mitchell County Courthouse.

Not a member? Join today!

 

Donate to MCHS

The Mitchell County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which means your donations are tex-deductible under the limitations of tax law. Your contributions help us continue our work.

Please consider making an online donation by clicking the button below.




Watch The Presentation:
In the Shadow of the Roan

Allen Cooke, Mitchell County Manager and noted author, gave a presentation on his new book to start the 2022 MCHS programs.

Shop Our Online Store

The MCHS Online Store offers a variety of gift ideas for that special someone, or for yourself! Plus, all proceeds from sales go to support our mission of preserving the history and heritage of Mitchell County.

 

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What’s New on the Site

Here are our latest posts about Mitchell County’s history. We welcome suggestions for topics. Please contact us to submit your ideas!

Places

Interesting stories

Cleaning Our Toes

Cleaning Our Toes

According to the Cherokee, a river is referred to as the Long Man with his head in the mountains and his feet in the sea. The North Toe River’s head is at Sugar Gap in the...

read more

People

Significant Individuals

Patrolman Charles L. Radcliffe

Patrolman Charles L. Radcliffe

Charles Lewis Radcliffe was born 10/30/1926 in Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County, NC.  His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Radcliffe; his father worked as an electrician at...

read more
Miss Dorothy and her Books

Miss Dorothy and her Books

Dorothy Lee Anderson was born in Bakersville on November 15, 1929. She was the youngest daughter of Lee and Dora Masters Greene. She grew up in Bakersville and was a graduate of...

read more

History

Happenings of note

The Road to Peppers Creek

The Road to Peppers Creek

Mitchell County has a mixed history when it comes to African-American children’s education. We invite you to learn more about those efforts.

read more

Communities

Unique locales in Mitchell County

Icons

These define Mitchell County

The Road to Peppers Creek

The Road to Peppers Creek

Ruth Lawrence, state supervisor of Negro Elementary Schools, reported, after a visit to Mitchell County in 1950, that she observed 7 boys and girls “learning their lessons” in a...

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Miss Dorothy and her Books

Miss Dorothy and her Books

Dorothy Lee Anderson was born in Bakersville on November 15, 1929. She was the youngest daughter of Lee and Dora Masters Greene. She grew up in Bakersville and was a graduate of...

read more

Economics

Making a living in Mitchell County

Cleaning Our Toes

Cleaning Our Toes

According to the Cherokee, a river is referred to as the Long Man with his head in the mountains and his feet in the sea. The North Toe River’s head is at Sugar Gap in the...

read more
Tragedy at Berry Gap

Tragedy at Berry Gap

The coming of the Clinchfield Railroad to the region in the early 1900s was a boon for the area and opened up the isolated mountain region to the outside world. The building of...

read more

Upcoming Events

Check out the upcoming events from the Mitchell County Historical Society. Click or tap on a date that is highlighted for information on what’s happening.

Events in March 2024

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