MITCHELL COUNTY

Mitchell County was formed at the start of the Civil War, and until 1911 encompassed most of the present-day Avery County. County government is of the county manager/county commissioner type, with 5 sitting Board members. There are two incorporated towns in Mitchell County. The county seat is Bakersville, in the northern section, with a population of about 500. The County's largest town is Spruce Pine, located in the southern section, which has a population of about 2,500. Both towns feature the mayor/town council form of government.

The county is well-known for its scenery. It is home to Roan Mountain, which has the largest naturally-occuring rhododendron gardens in the world. Bakersville pays homage to the blooming of those gardens each June during the North Carolina Rhododendron Festival, which is held at Bowman Middle School. The Blue Ridge Perkway skirts the southern sections of the county, with many places to stop off and admire the beautiful scenery of the area. Mitchell County is bounded buy the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell, which is located in neighboring Yancey County and by one of the oldest mountains in the world, Grandfather Mountain, located in adjoining Avery County. The North Toe River flows through the county and joins the South Toe at Toecane to form the Nolichucky River, one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in the eastern U.S.

Mitchell County is also known for its rich trove of gems and minerals. The world-famous North Carolina Mineral and Gem Featival, one of the oldest festivals of its kind, makes Spruce Pine and Mitchell County its home each August. Rockhounds from around the world descend on the region to explore the vast treasures stored underground.

The main industry in the region is mining. Mitchell county is home to the famous Spruce Pine Mineral District which has one of the richest distributions of gems and minerals any place on the earth. The county ships the majority of feldspar used in the United States, and it supplied the materials that eventually made up the mirror of the famous Hale Telescope on Mount Palomar in California. Other industries in Mitchell County manufacture furniture, outboard boat motors and legwear.

The Mitchell County Schools operate 7 campuses, with 1 high school, 2 middle schools and 4 primary schools making up the system. Higher education opportunities are offered through Mayland Community college, whose main campus is just off U.S. Highway 19-E on the Avery/Mitchell County line.