Remember MCHS as We Head into 2021
As 2020 draws to a close, we ask that you consider making a donation to the Mitchell County Historical Society. 2020 has been a challenging year financially and we appreciate any assistance you can give. Donations are tax-deductible (contact your tax advisor for information). Also, consider joining us in our work to preserve Mitchell County’s heritage and history by becoming a member. MCHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Get A Gift for Yourself or Someone Else
We have a few sets of 9 Mitchell County Historic Sites Christmas Ornaments for only $75. Also, copies of Voices of the Valley, the celebration of Mitchell County’s 150th Anniversary, are available for $20 (in our office) or $25 (online, including shipping).
See Our Videos!
MCHS has a collection of videos of our programs and other events available online for all to see. They are cataloged by the year they were recorded. Stop in and learn some things you may not have known!
Tough Times for Everyone
In the months since the Corona virus reached the U.S. shores, we have seen unprecedented changes in our society. Lives have been lost. Families have had to deal with changes in jobs and giving care to those in need. Traditional institutions like church and school have had to adjust how they operate. Events have been postponed or cancelled. There has been no segment of our society that has not been profoundly impacted by the virus.
We here at the Mitchell County Historical Society have been greatly impacted by COVID-19. Our annual speaker’s series, normally held from April through September, has been cancelled. Our annual Apple Butter Festival set for each October in Bakersville, has been postponed until 2021. The annual Mitchell County History Bee which gives our county students the opportunity to learn about local history has had to be postponed. Finally, our chance to get out in the community and meet people has been curtailed.
MCHS depends on memberships in our organization, our events, sales through our online store, and financial donations to keep our office in the Historic Mitchell County Courthouse staffed and open along with our museum in the McBee Building next door. This financial support also allows us to assist with genealogy and history searches, award the Inez McRae Memorial Scholarship to a deserving student each year, work on special projects such as the Penland Cemetery preservation, development of content for our website, and support of our general work to preserve the history and heritage of Mitchell County.
We know these are tough times, but if you can become a member of MCHS or give a donation, it will be greatly appreciated. Your financial support will help us continue to preserve and share the interesting stories about the people, places, and events that make our county special.
Membership funds go to our general operations. Donations can be specified for particular categories and can be made in any amount. Select from the buttons below to contribute. MCHS is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please consult with your tax preparation specialist for advice on this.
Finally, thank you for your interest in Mitchell County, your comments and engagement through e-mail and social media, and for your financial support for our organization.
MCHS Membership & Newsletter
Please 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!
The 2020
Christmas Ornament
The 2020 Mitchell County Historical Society Christmas Ornament honors the Good Will Free Library, constructed by Dr. Charles H. Wing who retired to Mitchell County after a distinguished academic career. He made it his mission to bring education to residents, providing vocational training and opening a library filled with many of his own books that he loaned throughout the county. It was during its time the largest public library in North Carolina.
The Corona Times
MCHS Documents the
Corona Virus Pandemic
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.
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

Silent Witness – The Mitchell County Courthouse Ghost
The Historic Mitchell County Courthouse has been a landmark in Bakersville since 1907. For over one hundred years, the courthouse has served the community in many different...

George Rufus Dale Built an Ideal Community
On June 17, 1940, an article appeared in the Asheville Citizen entitled “Mitchell County Farmer Uses Own Family to Build an Ideal Community.” The piece, written by Mrs. Romulus...

Clarissa Baker Buchanan – The Epitome of A Strong, Courageous, Mountain Woman
Driving up Cane Creek Road in eastern Mitchell County there is a community called Clarissa. (Most people may pronounce it “Claircey”.) The story of how the name of this...
People
Significant Individuals

A Very Special Six Months in Buladean
For many years, churches in our community served dual roles as centers of religious and social activity on Sundays, and also during the week,as schools for students of all ages....

Robert G. Young Was an Educator of Merit
Robert George Young was born 6/19/1926 in Mitchell County, the son of Frank B. Young (1894-1986) and Isabella Wilson Young (1897-1982). His great- grandfather was Greenberry...

The Greenlee House Once Stood Proud on Grassy Creek
James Greenlee (1740-1813) of Morganton bought a 640-acre tract of land on Grassy Creek from John Carson, owner of large acreage in Burke County. The tract of land in what is...
History
Happenings of note

The Greenlee House Once Stood Proud on Grassy Creek
James Greenlee (1740-1813) of Morganton bought a 640-acre tract of land on Grassy Creek from John Carson, owner of large acreage in Burke County. The tract of land in what is...

Rock Creek Revolution: Forming a Mountain Church
The Rock Creek Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has a history that expands for over eighty years in the Fork Mountain community. The birth of the church occurred on January 1,...

November Rain: Remembering the Flood of 1977
On November 6, 1977, the mountains of North Carolina saw one of the worst natural disasters to hit the area in nearly sixty-one years. On Friday, the 4th, heavy rain began to...
Communities
Unique locales in Mitchell County
Estatoe
This Mitchell County community in southern Mitchell County lies along Brushy Creek. The name comes from an Indian Princess who fell in love with a brave from a rival tribe....
Roan Mountain
Mitchell County’s most famous mountain straddles the Tennessee border at an elevation of 6,200 feet above sea level. It was probably named for its roan color when seen from a...

Penland
This world-renown community in southern Mitchell County, is famous for it’s School of Handicrafts. At an elevation of 2,462 feet, it was named for Milton Penland, pioneer settler...
Icons
These define Mitchell County

Honoring Mitchell County’s WWII Heroes: Arthur Ray Buchanan
Speaking of Ray Buchanan, folks will say admiringly with a shudder, “Oh, yes, he was a survivor of that awful Bataan Death March.” This does not come close to what 17-year-old...

Brad Ragan ~ Spruce Pine’s “hard-driving, cigar-chomping businessman.”
Bradley Eugene Ragan was born 14 May 1915 in Coleman, Georgia, the son of W.E. and Lillian Brown Ragan. Ragan was the founder and Chairman of the Board of Brad Ragan, Inc.,...

“One of our most cherished teachers” ~ James B. Blevins
The 1963 Senior Class of Bowman High School dedicated their annual to “one of our most cherished teachers, James B. Blevins.” Until his untimely death at 37 from complications of...
Economics
Making a living in Mitchell County

“Can you hear me now?” Upgrading Spruce Pine’s Phone System
Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company opened a new exchange building on Walnut Avenue in Spruce Pine in May 1953. This new, larger structure replaced the old telephone...

Robert B. Phillips – Educational Giant and Farmer
Robert Blalock Phillips was born 10/30/1902 in the Snow Hill community of Mitchell County. He was the son of W.S. (Woodfin Squibb) Phillips (1874-1952) and Sophia Blalock...

The First Electric Lights for Bakersville and Toecane
Bill Masters is credited with bringing the first electric lights to Toecane and Bakersville from energy generated by his water wheel in a 3-story mill in Toecane. According to...
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.
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February 28, 2021 | March 1, 2021 | March 2, 2021 | March 3, 2021 | March 4, 2021 | March 5, 2021 | March 6, 2021 |
March 7, 2021 | March 8, 2021 | March 9, 2021 | March 10, 2021 | March 11, 2021 | March 12, 2021 | March 13, 2021 |
March 14, 2021 | March 15, 2021 | March 16, 2021 | March 17, 2021 | March 18, 2021 | March 19, 2021 | March 20, 2021 |
March 21, 2021 | March 22, 2021 | March 23, 2021 | March 24, 2021 | March 25, 2021 | March 26, 2021 | March 27, 2021 |
March 28, 2021 | March 29, 2021 | March 30, 2021 | March 31, 2021 | April 1, 2021 | April 2, 2021 | April 3, 2021 |