History & Heritage

History & Heritage

The Tuckasegee River, the dividing line between Haywood and Macon counties until a special act of the NC General Assembly created Jackson in 1851, flows almost the length of the county. Named for President Andrew Jackson, the first county seat was at Webster, though that changed some 60 years later when Sylva took on the role due to its proximity to the railroad and an economy that was starting to boom. With some 185 named summits and approximately 250 named rivers and creeks, Jackson County is defined by its lofty vistas and fast-flowing water. Elevations range from less than 2,000 feet above sea level in Whittier’s Tuckasegee River valley to more than 6,000 feet in the Plott Balsam and Great Balsam mountain ranges. Jackson County contains a significant amount of US National Forest land, including the 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest. In addition to its lofty peaks, rushing water and unspoiled natural beauty, Jackson County is known for its rich Appalachian traditions. Its many cultural attractions range from the Native American at Cherokee’s Oconaluftee Indian Village, Unto These Hills outdoor drama and Museum of the Cherokee Indians to the Scots-Irish at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center. Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro and Qualla Arts and Crafts in Cherokee give visitors an opportunity to buy authentic Native American and Appalachian crafts. Jackson County Fast Facts One of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, Whitewater Falls, at 411 feet One of the highest lakes east of the Rockies Lake Glenville at […]

About Jackson County

About Jackson County

The Tuckasegee River, the dividing line between Haywood and Macon counties until a special act of the NC General Assembly created Jackson in 1851, flows almost the length of the county. Named for President Andrew Jackson, the first county seat was at Webster, though that changed some 60 years later when Sylva took on the role due to its proximity to the railroad and an economy that was starting to boom. With some 185 named summits and approximately 250 named rivers and creeks, Jackson County is defined by its lofty vistas and fast-flowing water. Elevations range from less than 2,000 feet above sea level in Whittier’s Tuckasegee River valley to more than 6,000 feet in the Plott Balsam and Great Balsam mountain ranges. Jackson County contains a significant amount of US National Forest land, including the 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest. In addition to its lofty peaks, rushing water and unspoiled natural beauty, Jackson County is known for its rich Appalachian traditions. Its many cultural attractions range from the Native American at Cherokee’s Oconaluftee Indian Village, Unto These Hills outdoor drama and Museum of the Cherokee Indians to the Scots-Irish at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center. Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro and Qualla Arts and Crafts in Cherokee give visitors an opportunity to buy authentic Native American and Appalachian crafts. Jackson County Fast Facts One of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, Whitewater Falls, at 411 feet One of the highest lakes east of the Rockies Lake Glenville at […]

Jackson County TDA The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority’s mission is to promote growth of tourism opportunities that benefits the Jackson County economy. The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority was established in 2013 by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly. The Jackson County TDA has 15 board members appointed by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners and meets monthly. The Jackson County TDA is funded by a 4% room occupancy tax collected from guests of Jackson County accommodations. No property taxes are used to fund the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority. Goals: Bring the “Play On” brand to life through an integrated marketing strategy. Create an awareness and desire to explore and fall in love with Jackson County. To foster tourism development in the area by offering grants to projects, attractions, events, and services which will increase tourism to the Jackson County area. To examine the range of existing visitor attractions and services, and to use the information to identify unrealized marketing opportunities. To work with community organizations to achieve an effective, coordinated and comprehensive marketing program. To work with local government, businesses, and non-profit organizations to identify and develop new facilities, attractions, and services to improve tourism activities. To contribute to the economic development and quality of life in Jackson County. The Jackson County TDA meeting schedule is available at the Meeting Schedule page. The JCTDA’s Executive Director is Nick Breedlove. Contact him at Director@DiscoverJacksonNC.com or by telephone at 828-848-8711.