Mitchell County Map highlighting Tipton Hill and its location.
Map of the State of Franklin which Mitchell County, North Carolina, would have bordered.
This western Mitchell County community was named for Major Jonathon Tipton III. Major Jonathon became embroiled in a 1784 dispute over the new state of Franklin. The dispute was actually between him and his older brother Colonel John Tipton and Colonel John Sevier, (both of whom lived in what is today Eastern Tennessee) which at that time was going to become the State of Franklin. Colonel John wanted to break away from North Carolina and form Franklin. Major John wanted to remain part of North Carolina. So in 1797 he moved back across the Unaka Mountains into the Toe River Valley where he founded the community of Tipton Hill, NORTH CAROLINA.
In 1959 , the 30th anniversary of the first graduating class, the old Tipton Hill High School was torn down to make room for the new lunchroom and gym. This building, which was dated May 18, 1921, was funded by the Methodist church and a Bible was placed within its walls. This Bible was found in 1959 when the building was torn down.
Enough funds could not be raised to complete the building so the Mitchell County Board of Education purchased the property on August 26, 1924. By 1927, three years of instruction could be obtained at Tipton Hill High School. Tipton Hill began as a four year High school in 1928. Mr. Yelton was the principal and Mrs. Yelton and Mr. L. R. Vann were the faculty. Seven students graduated that year. In 1930 the High School was accredited by the State Department.