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.
Geology of the Toe River: June 18 in Bakersville
The Toe River is one of the oldest rivers in the world. That’s what geologist Alex Glover will discuss on Monday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Historic Mitchell County Courthouse as part of the Mitchell County Historical Society \’s 2018 program series. Come learn the geologic history of the river that ties together the Tri-Counties of Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey. Admission is free and the presentation is open to the public. Hope to see you there!
Newsletter
NewsletterWant to learn more about what is taking place with the Historical Society? We release a quarterly newsletter with information on programs, events, updates on projects, and much, much more. MCHS members receive the newsletter as part of their membership early each quarter.
Take a look at our CURRENT NEWSLETTER (PDF file – opens with the free Adobe Reader software).
What’s New on the Site
Here are our latest posts about Mitchell County’s history. We welcome suggestions for topics to add. Please use our contact page to submit your ideas to us!
Places
Locations with interesting stories
Sunday Go-To-Meeting Best
This notable photograph of the congregation of Liberty Hill Baptist Church was taken on April 12, 1908. The church was officially chartered in 1866, but had been meeting since the 1840’s. A log building with dirt floors was erected in the Estatoe Community near the...
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“Doc” Hoppes – The Minstrel of Brushy Creek
Mitchell County was well represented at the Chicago World’s Fair of 1933. Miss Lucy Morgan of Penland unveiled the “Carolina Cabin” at the event that showcased the handicrafts, music, folklore, and people of the Southern Highlands. An unusual attraction was scheduled...
read morePeople
Significant Individuals
Isaac Hollifield – The Iconic Mountaineer
This classic photograph portrays the hardy mountain settlers who created a community out of the wilderness that was the Blue Ridge Mountains. Isaac Hollifield was a descendent of one of five Hollifield brothers who moved into the area that is now McDowell and Mitchell...
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Harris High Football Stars
Sometime in the early 1970s, standout football players from Harris High School in Spruce Pine gathered to share tales of past glory on the field and be honored for their prowess on the field. Those honored included the Blue Devils shown here, who have been identified...
read moreHistory
Happenings of note
Sunday Go-To-Meeting Best
This notable photograph of the congregation of Liberty Hill Baptist Church was taken on April 12, 1908. The church was officially chartered in 1866, but had been meeting since the 1840’s. A log building with dirt floors was erected in the Estatoe Community near the...
read more
Isaac Hollifield – The Iconic Mountaineer
This classic photograph portrays the hardy mountain settlers who created a community out of the wilderness that was the Blue Ridge Mountains. Isaac Hollifield was a descendent of one of five Hollifield brothers who moved into the area that is now McDowell and Mitchell...
read moreIcons
These define Mitchell County
“Doc” Hoppes – The Minstrel of Brushy Creek
Mitchell County was well represented at the Chicago World’s Fair of 1933. Miss Lucy Morgan of Penland unveiled the “Carolina Cabin” at the event that showcased the handicrafts, music, folklore, and people of the Southern Highlands. An unusual attraction was scheduled...
read more
The Historic Mitchell County Courthouse
The first Mitchell County Courthouse, built in 1869, served the county well until 1907 with the grand opening of the new Courthouse which was built on the site of the first courthouse. More than just a courtroom where justice was served, the building was a gateway to...
read moreEconomics
Making a living in Mitchell County
Penland Post Office and General Store
The building which houses the Penland Post Office and, for many years, a general mercantile, was constructed in 1902 by Isaac Bailey, a Confederate Colonel and later NC Senator from Mitchell County. Two years later, Bailey and his wife, Louisa Penland, donated land...
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Peterson Store in Huntdale
The tiny town of Huntdale, NC, became a thriving community after the Clinchfield Railroad made its way through the Nolichucky Gorge in the early 1900s. In 1890, the Clinchfield tracks reached Erwin, TN, which was less than 20 miles away from Huntdale. Many Western...
read moreUpcoming 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.
| MonMonday | TueTuesday | WedWednesday | ThuThursday | FriFriday | SatSaturday | SunSunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 25, 2018 | June 26, 2018 | June 27, 2018 | June 28, 2018 | June 29, 2018 | June 30, 2018 | July 1, 2018 |
| July 2, 2018 | July 3, 2018 | July 4, 2018 | July 5, 2018 | July 6, 2018 | July 7, 2018 | July 8, 2018 |
| July 9, 2018 | July 10, 2018 | July 11, 2018 | July 12, 2018 | July 13, 2018 | July 14, 2018 | July 15, 2018 |
July 16, 2018
7:00 pm: MCHS Program |
July 17, 2018 | July 18, 2018 | July 19, 2018 | July 20, 2018 | July 21, 2018 | July 22, 2018 |
| July 23, 2018 | July 24, 2018 | July 25, 2018 | July 26, 2018 | July 27, 2018 | July 28, 2018 | July 29, 2018 |
| July 30, 2018 | July 31, 2018 | August 1, 2018 | August 2, 2018 | August 3, 2018 | August 4, 2018 | August 5, 2018 |
7:00 pm: MCHS Program