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

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....

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People

Significant Individuals

Roxanna Bowman Putman ~ Herb Doctor

Roxanna Bowman Putman ~ Herb Doctor

In Appalachia, a Herb Doctor is a therapist who heals with herbs.  Other labels for such practitioners, often but not always female, are “granny women,” “wise women,” or...

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History

Happenings of note

Communities

Unique locales in Mitchell County

Little Switzerland

Little Switzerland

This exotic European name was penned by Judge Heriot Clarkson of Charlotte who established this resort community near the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1910. The resemblance of the area...

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Grassy Creek

Grassy Creek

This Mitchell County community was named by the Greenlee Family who brought their livestock into the area from the lands below Gillespie Gap to graze in the lush, grassy...

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Ledger

Ledger

Located in central Mitchell County, this community is said to have been named by the Post Office Department because of a report submitted in a “ledger” by a local resident named...

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Icons

These define Mitchell County

Mrs. Ruby Sisk Gouge

Mrs. Ruby Sisk Gouge

Ruby Juanita Sisk was born December 18, 1898 in Franklin, North Carolina to Ray Dean and Emma Lou Guy Sisk. Her father was a successful attorney, state senator, and highly...

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Economics

Making a living in Mitchell County

Spruce Pine’s Gunter Building

Spruce Pine’s Gunter Building

The structure known as the Gunter Building, on the corner of Oak Avenue and Topaz Street, was erected about 1941; Spruce Pine was in the midst of a commercial boom based on the...

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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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