National Register Listing

Yancey County Courthouse

W. Main at Town Square, Burnsville, NC
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

law courthouses buildings
The Cherokee Indians originally inhabited much of western North Carolina before being forcibly removed by the federal government in the 1800s. Today, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians still maintains a reservation in the western part of the state.
North Carolina random facts
Yancey County, North Carolina has a rich history rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and natural beauty. The county was named after Bartlett Yancey, a prominent figure in North Carolina politics during the early 19th century. Yancey County was officially established in 1833 and quickly became a hub for the timber industry due to its vast forests and accessibility to major waterways.

In the late 1800s, Yancey County experienced a boom in population and economic growth with the discovery of vast mineral deposits, particularly mica, feldspar, and gemstones. This led to the establishment of numerous mining operations and the growth of small towns like Burnsville, which became the county seat. The county's mining industry thrived for several decades, providing jobs and economic stability to the area.

Yancey County's agricultural history is also notable, particularly in the production of tobacco and Christmas trees. Tobacco farming was a major source of income for many residents well into the 20th century. Additionally, the county's mountainous terrain and cool climate made it an ideal location for cultivating Christmas trees, which became an important industry in the latter half of the 20th century.

Today, Yancey County continues to draw visitors with its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county's stunning landscapes, including Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, and the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the area, attract hikers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over. While the mining industry has declined significantly, the county now thrives on a mix of agriculture, tourism, and a growing arts and crafts industry, making it a unique and vibrant community in North Carolina.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Yancey County, North Carolina.

  • 1833 - Yancey County is formed from parts of Burke and Buncombe Counties.
  • 1834 - The county's first courthouse, made of logs, is built in Burnsville.
  • 1861-1865 - Many residents of Yancey County serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1890 - The railroad reaches Burnsville, promoting economic growth in the county.
  • 1940s - Yancey County experiences population decline due to outmigration and the decline of the agricultural economy.
  • 1968 - Mount Mitchell State Park, which includes the highest peak in the Eastern United States, is established in Yancey County.
  • 1980s - The county experiences a resurgence in tourism as more visitors come to explore its natural beauty.
  • 1991 - The Yancey County Courthouse, a neoclassical revival-style building, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2016 - The county celebrates its 180th anniversary with various events and community activities.