History
of Ashe County | Activities |
Skiing |
Parks| Events & Dramas |
Golf |
Restaurants | Schools | Demographics |
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Before there was an Ashe County,
this territory was part of the English colony called
Anson County. In 1753 it became part of the Rowan
County, then part of Surry County in 1771, and part of
Wilkes County in 1777. From 1784 until 1789 it was
part of the State of Franklin, along with much of
eastern Tennessee. From 1789 when the State of
Franklin dissolved until 1792, when these lands were
returned to North Carolina governmental jurisdiction as
part of Wilkes County, the area would be just a part of
United States territory. (This may be the basis
for occasional historical references to this region as
"The Lost Province.")
In 1799, the North Carolina legislature created the
County of Ashe. The name was given to honor Samuel
Ashe, who had been Governor, Superior Court Judge, and a
Revolutionary War patriot. The new county
contained approximately 977 square miles. In 1849
approximately 320 square miles was ceded to the
formation of Watauga County, and in 1859 approximately
230 square miles to the formation of Alleghany County.
One of the county's most distinctive features is the New
River. It is said to be over three hundred million
years old, and is unique in that it flows North.
The river has been a major reason for settlement here,
as well as a popular source of recreational activities.
On July 30, 1998, it became protected from major
development when it was proclaimed an American Heritage
River.
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Things to Do
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Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad is North Carolina's oldest
theme park. A three mile train ride takes
you back to the days of the old west. There
are also amusement rides for all ages and
live entertainment throughout the park. |
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Zaloos Canoes
Zaloo's Canoes offers the finest canoe kayak
and tube rentals. Zaloo's Canoes is located
on South Fork of the New River, a National
Scenic and Wild River and an American
Heritage River. |
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Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is one of the High Country's
most visited attractions. Grandfather's main
attractions include its beautiful alpine hiking
trails, mile high swinging bridge and nature museum.
Grandfather is home to various festivals and special
events throughout the year including the
Highland Games. During this unique event,
over one hundred Scottish clans and societies
sponsor this celebration of Scottish dance, music
and athletics. Located on US Highway 221, two miles
north of Linville, North Carolina, it is just a
short drive for a day of family fun.
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Blue Ridge
Parkway
The Parkway follows the Appalachian Mountain chain and provides seemingly endless views of many parallel ranges connected by cross ranges and scattered hills. From Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smokies, the parkway spans 369 miles.
Wildlife is abundant along the Parkway. During the day woodchucks, chipmunks and squirrels can be seen. At night, skunks, bobcats, foxes, opossums, and raccoons may be seen along the roadsides. Whitetail deer and black bears are present, but seldom seen. Look for them in early morning or evening. |
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Linville
Caverns
Linville Falls is one of the many natural wonders of the High Country. A short walk from the parking area unveils the beauty of the falls. Five minutes away from the falls, you can explore the natural limestone caverns of Linville Caverns. For a small admission fee, you can experience the power and beauty of nature. |
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Gem Valley NC Mine
The Gem Valley NC Mine is a family business and one of North Carolina's newest attractions and is the only public gem-mining/gold-panning facility in the beautiful mountains of Ashe County, NC! Located at the historical mine of Ore Knob, at 2489 Little Peak Creek Road off of Highway 88 in Jefferson/Laurel Springs (look for the signs). Gem Valley is only minutes away from the Blue Ridge Parkway and one of the oldest rivers in the world, the "New River."
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Appalachian Ski Mtn. |
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Hawks Nest Ski
Resort |
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Beech Mountain
Ski Resort
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Sugar Mountain
Ski Resort |
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Grayson Highlands State Park
Established in 1965, and consisting of 4,822
acres, Grayson Highlands State Park is next
to the Mount Rogers National Recreation
Area. The park features camping area,
horse back riding trails, hiking trails and
picnic areas. The highest point in the
park is located at Little Pinnacle (5,089
ft). The park also offers a visitor
center where you can learn about the
heritage of the area and buy crafts made
locally in VA. |
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Stone Mountain State Park
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Mount Jefferson State Park
Serving as an area landmark, Mt. Jefferson offers great hiking trails, educational seminars, picnicking and much more. |
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New River State Park
Rugged hillsides, pastoral meadows and bucolic farmlands surround one of the oldest rivers in the world, the New River. Enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, picnicking and much more. Access the park eight miles southeast of Jefferson, 1.2 miles east of the intersection of NC 16 and NC 88 or 8 miles northeast of Jefferson, by taking Hwy. 221. |
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Horn in the West
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Blue
Ridge Celtic Festival
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Merle Fest |
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Grandfather Mountain
Highland Games |
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Christmas
in July Festival
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Wolly Worm Festival
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Mountain Aire Golf Course
Located in West Jefferson and
nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge, Mountain Aire is an established, public course offering 18 holes of well-maintained fairways, complimented by the natural, rugged beauty of the Appalachians. |
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Jefferson Landing
Nestled between Mt. Jefferson and the scenic New River, Jefferson Landing is a 490-acre, master-planned residential golf community - Ashe County realty at its very best. |
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Mountain Aire Seafood & Steaks
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Sweet Aromas Bakery |
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Shatley Springs |
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Daniel Boone Inn
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Appalachian State University |
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Wilkes
Community College |
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Ashe County High School |
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Ashe County Middle School |
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Blue Ridge Elementary |
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Mountain View Elementary |
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Westwood Elementary |
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