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Ashe County
Since its incorporation in 1799, Ashe County has
represented the best of what northwestern North
Carolina has to offer. Nestled comfortably in the
Blue Ridge Mountains, Ashe County experiences four
distinct and beautiful seasons. Natives and visitors
alike relish the refreshing growth of spring and the
long summer days where the cares and worries of
today’s fast paced life seem to drift away on the
soft evening breeze. Fall is simple awe inspiring
and Winters are filled with wonder.
Ashe County is populated with proud and hard working
folks, who will go out of their way to help their
neighbors, and who still value honesty and heritage.
Ashe County is made up of the following
municipalities and we have provided a brief
description of each:
Glendale Springs: Nestled between the South
Fork of the New River and the Blue Ridge Parkway can
be found the quaint community of Glendale Springs.
It is more than a highlight of visitor trips to Ashe
County; it is a place of tranquil enchantment to
those who remain behind. Lending a religious aura to
the community is the artistic treasure: D. Jeffrey
Mims “The Last Supper” fresco. This life-sized
depiction of an event central to the Christian
experience is permanently enshrined in The Holy
Trinity Episcopal Church. Glendale Springs…visit,
shop, canoe the New River, dine in luxurious
surroundings…breath in the fresh mountain air and be
renewed for a lifetime.
Jefferson: The Town of Jefferson,
the county seat of Ashe County, established in 1800
and chartered in 1803, is one of the oldest towns in
Western North Carolina. Jefferson is home to the
newly renovated 1904 Courthouse which was replaced
with a modern facility in 2001. The vacated 1904
courthouse is being renovated to provide space for a
visitors center, a museum and other appropriate
entities to reveal the culture and history of
Jefferson and Ashe County in earlier times. Also
enjoy Foster-Tyson park and many local restaurants.
Lansing: The Lansing municipality of Ashe
County, located in the mountainous northeastern
section of the county, is rich with memories and
history. The first post office for the
unincorporated community of Lansing was established
in 1882. It served a primarily rural community made
up of a village and outlying farms until the
railroad came in 1914. The arrival of the Norfolk
and Western Railroad triggered a boom in the area,
which culminated in the town’s being chartered and
incorporated in 1928. An iron mine operated for a
few years, shipping ore from Lansing. When Lansing
was just beginning to grow into a prosperous town, a
fire almost destroyed it. It began early on a
morning in the 1930’s. A community bucket brigade
was able to save a little. After a second major fire
in the 1940’s, the community started a fire
department. Today there are many interesting things
to do in Lansing, including the Greater Lansing Area
Festival, held each September.
Todd: Mountain music and historic stores is
an important part of Todd's heritage and culture.
Todd features the Todd Island Park and the Walter
and Annie Cook Memorial Park with a third, Green
Valley Park, in the process. Shop at the Todd
General store & other area shops, ride a bike along
Railroad Grade Road, listen to the music or visit
one of Todd's festivals, including the New River
Festival held in October .
West Jefferson:
West Jefferson's downtown area features
more than a dozen galleries, craft shop, and
restaurants. The town hosts several murals that
create a "walking tour." The murals are the works of
local artists and others in North Carolina that
depicts the area's history and unique character.
Christmas In July, celebrating its 20th anniversary
2006, is our annual Independence Day weekend
celebration. The downtown West Jefferson festival
has its roots in the local Christmas tree industry.
Thousands of local residents and visitors enjoy
premiere entertainment, downtown shops, arts and
crafts vendors and foods of all kinds.
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Demographics
(Sources: U.S.
Census Bureau, 2000 Census; ePodunk) |
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Population |
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Total
Population |
24,384 |
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Square Miles |
426.13 |
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If you have any
questions or would like more information, please contact us
828-262-1990,
email us, or use our
online
request form. |
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