Two decades
after the United States of America declared its independence
from England, Gen. John Gray Blount purchased 326,640 acres of
wild mountain land in the Black Mountains of Burke and Buncombe
Counties which include the five tallest mountains in the eastern
United States. Gen. Gray thus became one of the largest
landowners in the history of the United States.
Born in Bertie
County in 1752, Gen. Blount became intimately involved in the
movement to gain freedom from England and played a role in the
ratification of the U.S. Constitution. But he had visions of the
future of this far western mountain land. Of this enormous tract
of land, 200,320 acres was declared a county in 1833. Carved out
of Burke and Buncombe Counties this wild area had been settled
mostly by immigrants from the British Isles. Stern, with high
standards of conduct, they worked hard and tamed this beautiful
wilderness. It should be noted that Yancey County is one of the
only five counties in North Carolina in which alcoholic
beverages may not be sold.
In
recognition of this hard working, dedicated work force, a
variety of industries moved into the county. While this was a
boost to the economy, tourism became the primary source of
county income. And it is certainly no wonder; the Appalachian
National Scenic Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the North Toe
River embrace the county's borders and the South Toe River and
Can River
contribute their own share of breath-taking scenery.
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For
diversity, you can enjoy the heights of Mount Mitchell State
Park (which includes Mt. Craig and Mt. Gibbes) or relax to the
whispering breezes making the beautiful Hemlocks sing in the
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area. NC-80, which provides access
to the Hemlocks, also follows the South Toe River for a good
part of its first five miles as it tumbles on its way to join
the North Toe River. Even if you're not a camera buff, it's
doubtful that the scenic views you experience here will ever
depart from your memory.
Easiest access to Yancey County is via I-26 and US-19. NC-80
provides access from Marion and I-40.
Asheville will probably be your launch point in your search for a
new home in this mountain paradise. In
WNC-Tour-Guide.com,
our sister web site, you
can let you computer mouse lead you to descriptions of the many
attractions and adventures Western North Carolina mountains have
to offer. Then via our directories of the real estate agencies
in each of our mountain counties, you can contact someone to
learn what may be available to meet your needs, desires and
budget. Or, fill out our simple form
and we will contact those agencies we feel may be best staffed
to assist you in your search. And, while you're looking, we have
included links to convenient, comfortable hotels and motels any
of which would delight in being your host. And, yes, you can
make instant, on-line reservations and receive an immediate,
printed confirmation.
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