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.
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.
Penland Cemetery Project
MCHS is seeking help with an important project we have undertaken. The historic Penland Cemetery in Bakersville has suffered from years of neglect, with vandals overturning tombstones and the plot becoming grown-over with trees and underbrush. We have begun efforts to repair the road to the cemetery and restore it so visitors and researchers have easy access. Learn more about the Penland Cemetery project and how you can help..
Overmountain Men Radio Show & Podcast Wrapping Up
The radio broadcast from WTOE and WKYK of Footsteps for Freedom concluded October 11th with our 30th Episode. Thsnk you for joining us for the series!
BUT WE’RE NOT THROUGH! We have posted a roundtable discussion featuring Jonathan Bennett, David Biddix, and Rhonda Gunter, taking a look at the work behind the scenes to produce the episodes. We discuss the events and people involved with the battle and share opinions on our research and more. The final episode is podcast-only and is now online at our Overmountain Men page.
Speaking of that page, we have updated it with additional resources from the internet along with all 31 podcasts still available. You can listen online or download using the various podcatching software (Apple Music, Google Music, etc.). Check it out and catch up on anything you missed, or listen to the final program.
The 2019 Christmas Ornament
The 2019 Mitchell County Historical Society Christmas Ornament honors the Historic Mitchell County Courthouse, built in 1907. This historic building, built of cast stone and designed in the Classical Revival style. which is home to the MCHS offices on the first floor. The building was designed by H.L. Lewman and was constructed by the Falls City Construction Company. The Yancey County Courthouse, built in 1905, is almost a clone of the building. The ornament is glass and comes in a box to protect it during shipment and storage.
MCHS Membership & Newsletter
Big changes are coming soon for members of the Mitchell County Historical Society in 2020
Discounts on merchandise purchased from the MCHS store are but one of the many goodies for members of MCHS. In fact, we have a preview of one of the new features available right now: our redesigned newsletter, 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 2020 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!
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
Interesting stories
Kilmichael Tower and Little Switzerland
Judge Heriot Clarkson of Charlotte and his family were the developers of the resort community of Little Switzerland in 1910. The community between Grassy Mountain and Chestnut Ridge had been settled by several generations of hardy pioneers by the time Clarkson arrived...
People
Significant Individuals
Cloyd Decatur Thomas, World War I Veteran
Cloyd Decatur Thomas, born 11/21/1894 in Mitchell County, was the son of William Malone Thomas (1871-1945) and Amanda (Thomas) Thomas (1875-1957). When he registered for the draft in June 1917, Cloyd listed his occupation as farmer and laborer at a clay...
History
Happenings of note
William Davis – The Oldest Veteran of The Battle of Kings Mountain and Other Revolutionary Veterans Buried in the Toe River Valley
As we conclude our series on the Battle of Kings Mountain, we thought we would take some time to note a couple of veterans of the battle that ended up in the Toe River Valley, along with ones from other battles that are buried in our area. One of the soldiers who...
Communities
Unique locales in Mitchell County
Kilmichael Tower and Little Switzerland
Judge Heriot Clarkson of Charlotte and his family were the developers of the resort community of Little Switzerland in 1910. The community between Grassy Mountain and Chestnut Ridge had been settled by several generations of hardy pioneers by the time Clarkson arrived...
Icons
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...
Economics
Making a living in Mitchell County
Working In The Mines ~ Mitchell County to Vance County
This article features recollections of Gary Forbes of Mocksville, NC, the son of Paul and Elsie Burleson Forbes. He was born in 1948 in Spruce Pine at Williams Clinic. My earliest memories are of living in the Hamme Tungsten Queen Mine Camp in Vance County, NC,...
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.
| SunSunday | MonMonday | TueTuesday | WedWednesday | ThuThursday | FriFriday | SatSaturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 27, 2019 | October 28, 2019 | October 29, 2019 | October 30, 2019 | October 31, 2019 | November 1, 2019 | November 2, 2019 |
| November 3, 2019 | November 4, 2019 | November 5, 2019 | November 6, 2019 | November 7, 2019 | November 8, 2019 | November 9, 2019 |
| November 10, 2019 | November 11, 2019
4:00 pm: Veterans Day Celebration |
November 12, 2019 | November 13, 2019 | November 14, 2019
6:30 pm: MCHS Board Meeting |
November 15, 2019 | November 16, 2019 |
| November 17, 2019 | November 18, 2019 | November 19, 2019 | November 20, 2019 | November 21, 2019 | November 22, 2019 | November 23, 2019 |
| November 24, 2019 | November 25, 2019 | November 26, 2019 | November 27, 2019 | November 28, 2019 | November 29, 2019 | November 30, 2019 |
4:00 pm: Veterans Day Celebration