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Haywood County, North Carolina

Coordinates: 35°33′N 82°59′W / 35.550°N 82.983°W / 35.550; -82.983
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Haywood County
County
Haywood County Courthouse, built c. 1932
Haywood County Courthouse, built c. 1932
Official seal of Haywood County
Seal
Map of North Carolina highlighting Haywood County
Location within the U.S. state of North Carolina
Map of the United States highlighting North Carolina
North Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 35°33′N 82°59′W / 35.550°N 82.983°W / 35.550; -82.983
Country United States
State North Carolina
Founded1808
Named forJohn Haywood
SeatWaynesville
Largest townWaynesville
Area
 • Total555 sq mi (1,440 km2)
 • Land554 sq mi (1,430 km2)
 • Water0.9 sq mi (2 km2)  0.2%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2018)
61,971
 • Density107/sq mi (41/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district11th
Websitewww.haywoodcountync.gov

Haywood County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the population was 59,036.[1] The county seat and its largest city is Waynesville.[2] Haywood County is part of the Asheville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Part of indigenous territory considered the Cherokee homeland, the county was formed by European Americans in 1808 from the western part of Buncombe County. It was named for John Haywood, who served as the North Carolina State Treasurer from 1787 to 1827.[3]

In 1828 the western part of Haywood County became Macon County. In 1851 parts of Haywood and Macon counties were combined to form Jackson County.

The last shot of the Civil War east of the Mississippi was fired in Waynesville on May 9, 1865, when elements of the Thomas Legion (Confederate) skirmished with the 2nd NC Mounted (Union). A monument is situated on Sulphur Springs Road in Waynesville.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 555 square miles (1,440 km2), of which 554 square miles (1,430 km2) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km2) (0.2%) is water.[4]

The Pigeon River originates in Haywood County. All rivers and springs that flow in Haywood County originate in the county; no water flows into Haywood County from adjacent counties.[5]

Haywood County is situated amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains and contains parts of several major subranges of the Blue Ridge, namely the Great Smoky Mountains in the west and the Plott Balsams and Great Balsam Mountains in the south. Notable peaks in the county include Cold Mountain, at 6,030 feet (1,840 m), Mount Sterling, at 5,835 feet (1,779 m), and Richland Balsam, at 6,410 feet (1,950 m) in elevation. Mt. Guyot, the county's highest point at 6,621 feet (2,018 m), is the 4th highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Black Balsam Knob, in the Great Balsam Mountains in the southeastern section of the county, is the highest grassy bald in the entire Appalachian range. Haywood County is believed to be the highest county (by mean elevation) east of the Mississippi River, with a mean elevation of 3,597 feet or 1,096 metres.[6]

A portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies in the northwestern section of the county, north of Maggie Valley. Along with several mountains rising to over 6,000 feet (1,800 m) in elevation, the Haywood County area of the Smokies includes Cataloochee, which is home to a large campground and several historical structures dating to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Other protected areas include substantial sections of the Pisgah National Forest in the far northeastern and southern parts of the county.

National protected areas

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18102,780—
18204,07346.5%
18304,57812.4%
18404,9758.7%
18507,07442.2%
18605,801−18.0%
18707,92136.5%
188010,27129.7%
189013,34629.9%
190016,22221.5%
191021,02029.6%
192023,49611.8%
193028,27320.3%
194034,80423.1%
195037,6318.1%
196039,7115.5%
197041,7105.0%
198046,49511.5%
199046,9421.0%
200054,03315.1%
201059,0369.3%
2018 (est.)61,971[7]5.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790-1960[9] 1900-1990[10]
1990-2000[11] 2010-2013[1]

As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 54,033 people, 23,100 households, and 16,054 families residing in the county. The population density was 98 people per square mile (38/km2). There were 28,640 housing units at an average density of 52 per square mile (20/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.85% White, 1.27% Black or African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. 1.41% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 30.8% were of American, 12.9% English, 12.0% German, 10.4% Irish and 8.3% Scots-Irish ancestry according to Census 2000. 97.1% spoke English and 1.9% Spanish as their first language.

There were 23,100 households, out of which 26.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.50% were non-families. 26.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.80% under the age of 18, 6.20% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 27.10% from 45 to 64, and 19.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 92.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $33,922, and the median income for a family was $40,438. Males had a median income of $30,731 versus $21,750 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,554. About 8.10% of families and 11.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.40% of those under age 18 and 10.30% of those age 65 or over.

Government, law, and public safety

Government

Haywood County is governed by an elected five member four year term County Board of Commissioners. The Board appoints and directs policy for a county manager. Haywood County is a member of the regional Southwestern Commission council of governments.[13]

Voter Registration Statistics In Haywood County:[citation needed]

  • Republicans- 15,471
  • Democrats- 13,756

Policing

Sheriff and municipal police

The Haywood County sheriff provides court protection and jail management for the entire county and provides patrol and detective services for the unincorporated portions of the county.[14] The towns of Waynesville, Canton, and Maggie Valley have municipal police departments. As of October 1, 2020 the Sheriff's Office took over all law enforcement service for the town of Clyde.[15] Haywood County contains a portion of the Qualla Boundary which is a tribal reservation for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Lands and people living within this reservation are subject mostly to tribal/federal laws rather than county or state laws.[16]

Lake Junaluska

Security for Lake Junaluska is provided by the Haywood County sheriff. The security chief is a sheriff's captain and all responding officers are sworn deputies supported by LJ security officers. [17]

Fire protection

Fire protection and rescue services are provided by the Waynesville, Canton, Cyde, Lake Junaluska, and Maggie Valley fire departments.[18]

Politics

Haywood County was a Democratic-leaning swing county for essentially the entire Twentieth Century. Since the turn of the century, however, it has seen a strong trend toward the Republican Party in national elections. Donald Trump's 2020 performance of 62.5% was the best by a Republican since Nixon's 1972 landslide. [19]

Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[20]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2020 62.5% 22,834 36.0% 13,144 1.5% 564
2016 61.6% 18,929 34.1% 10,473 4.3% 1,325
2012 55.9% 15,633 42.3% 11,833 1.8% 508
2008 53.1% 14,910 45.4% 12,730 1.5% 427
2004 56.1% 14,545 43.3% 11,237 0.6% 150
2000 54.4% 12,118 44.0% 9,793 1.6% 362
1996 39.8% 7,995 46.6% 9,350 13.6% 2,724
1992 34.7% 7,292 49.4% 10,385 15.9% 3,332
1988 49.7% 8,957 50.0% 9,010 0.3% 61
1984 56.0% 10,146 43.9% 7,958 0.2% 27
1980 41.3% 7,217 56.2% 9,814 2.5% 431
1976 35.4% 5,885 64.2% 10,692 0.4% 71
1972 64.8% 8,903 32.9% 4,515 2.3% 313
1968 39.3% 6,205 36.1% 5,703 24.7% 3,898
1964 34.3% 5,575 65.7% 10,664
1960 51.6% 8,583 48.4% 8,044
1956 47.8% 6,955 52.2% 7,598
1952 41.1% 6,124 58.9% 8,761
1948 26.1% 2,684 71.8% 7,373 2.0% 209
1944 27.4% 2,919 72.7% 7,755
1940 21.5% 2,357 78.6% 8,631
1936 29.0% 3,331 71.1% 8,175
1932 31.1% 3,082 68.5% 6,790 0.3% 34
1928 51.7% 4,472 48.3% 4,173
1924 34.7% 2,440 65.2% 4,582 0.1% 8
1920 41.5% 3,000 58.5% 4,229
1916 38.8% 1,523 61.2% 2,403
1912 10.8% 354 62.9% 2,068 26.4% 867

Education

Haywood County Schools has 15 schools ranging from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade. Those are separated into three high schools, three middle schools, and nine elementary schools.[21]

Tuscola-Pisgah rivalry

Main article: Tuscola-Pisgah rivalry

The two major high schools in the Haywood County Schools System, the Tuscola High School Mountaineers of Waynesville and Pisgah High School Black Bears of Canton participate in one of the fiercest high school rivalries in the Nation, as cited by the Great American Rivalry Series. The two high school football teams battle it out for the Haywood County Championship each fall, drawing up to 15,000 fans. The series is tied at 25-25-1. The Pisgah Bears won the last meeting.

Transportation

Major highways and roads

Railroads

Norfolk Southern Railway operates a portion of the Murphy Branch line through Haywood County, providing a rail connection with the rest of the country. Norfolk Southern operates a small yard in Canton which directly serves Evergreen Packaging (owned by International Paper) and originates several local runs.

Communities

Map of Haywood County, North Carolina With Municipal and Township Labels

Towns

  • Waynesville, (county seat) population 9,869, elevation 2,752.
  • Canton, population 4,227, elevation 2615 ft.
  • Clyde, population 1,223, elevation 2,543 ft.
  • Maggie Valley, population 1,150, elevation 3,018 ft.


Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Other well known communities/areas

  • Eagles Nest
  • Max Patch
  • Cataloochee
  • Junaluska
  • Center Pigeon

Townships

  • Beaverdam
  • Bethel
  • Cataloochee
  • Cecil
  • Clyde
  • Crabtree
  • Cruso
  • East Fork
  • Fines Creek
  • Iron Duff
  • Ivy Hill
  • Jonathan Creek
  • Pigeon
  • Suttontown
  • Waynesville
  • White Oak

Festivals

The annual ramp (Allium tricoccum) convention in Haywood County, known as the oldest in the Nation, has drawn as many as 4,000 participants a year since its inception circa 1925.[22] It is held each May.

Folkmoot USA is an international folk festival held since 1984 in Waynesville, North Carolina and surrounding communities. During its history, the two-week event has featured around 200 groups from approximately 100 countries. The Southeast Tourism Society has named Folkmoot USA one of its top twenty events for 20 years. The North Carolina General Assembly declared Folkmoot USA to be the state's official international folk festival in 2003.[23][24][25]

Cold Mountain, in southeast Haywood County within the Pisgah National Forest, became popularly known when featured as the title and setting of the 1997 historical novel Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier. He explored the later stages of the American Civil War in the area and a Confederate soldier's effort to return home. The novel was adapted as a major motion picture, released by Miramax Films in 2003 and starring Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, and Renée Zellweger.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  3. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 153.
  4. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on January 12, 2015. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  5. ^ "Did you know: Fast Facts about Haywood County". Haywood County North Carolina. Haywood County Government. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  6. ^ "Mean County Elevation Lists". cohp.org. Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  7. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved July 22, 2019.
  8. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  9. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  10. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  11. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  12. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  13. ^ https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/
  14. ^ https://www.haywoodncsheriff.com/
  15. ^ Vaillancourt, Cory (September 23, 2020). "County will assume Clyde PD duties". Smoky Mountain News.
  16. ^ Qualla Boundary, NCPedia.org (retrieved 15 April 2015)
  17. ^ https://www.lakejunaluska.com/about_us/community/community_security/
  18. ^ https://www.firedepartment.net/directory/north-carolina/haywood-county
  19. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  20. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  21. ^ "Haywood County Schools". North Carolina's School Report Cards. North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  22. ^ Davies, D. (1992). Alliums: The Ornamental Onions. Portland: Timber Press. p. 51. ISBN 978-0-88192-241-7.
  23. ^ Beadle, Michael (2007-07-18). "A World of Difference". Smoky Mountain News. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2010-06-17.
  24. ^ "Folkmoot USA International Festival". Retrieved 2010-06-17.
  25. ^ "Folkmoot USA--The State International Festival of North Carolina". Retrieved 2010-06-17.
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