Wikipedia

Macon County, North Carolina

Not to be confused with Macon, North Carolina.

Macon County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 37,014.[1] Its county seat is Franklin.[2]

Macon County
County
Macon County Courthouse in Franklin
Macon County Courthouse in Franklin
Flag of Macon County
Flag
Official seal of Macon County
Seal
Map of North Carolina highlighting Macon 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°09′N 83°25′W / 35.15°N 83.42°W / 35.15; -83.42
Country United States
State North Carolina
Founded1828
Named forNathaniel Macon
SeatFranklin
Largest communityFranklin
Area
 • Total
519.67 sq mi (1,345.9 km2)
 • Land515.58 sq mi (1,335.3 km2)
 • Water4.09 sq mi (10.6 km2)  0.79%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
37,014
 • Estimate 
(2023)
38,412
 • Density71.79/sq mi (27.72/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district11th
Websitemaconnc.org

The Nantahala River runs through Macon County, flowing into the Little Tennessee River in Swain County. The Nantahala is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the nation.[3][4]

History

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The river valleys were long occupied by indigenous peoples, some of whom built earthwork mounds about 1000 CE. Some are still visible in this region. It was part of the homeland of the historic Cherokee people, who had towns throughout the river valleys. The Cherokee in Western North Carolina are known as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a federally recognized tribe.

The county was formed in 1828 from the western part of Haywood County. It was named for Nathaniel Macon,[5] who represented North Carolina in the United States House of Representatives from 1791 to 1815 (serving as Speaker of the House from 1801 to 1807), and in the United States Senate from 1815 to 1828. Macon County's first courthouse was a brick building constructed by Colonel David Coleman in Franklin in 1829.[6]

In 1839 the western part of Macon County became Cherokee County. In 1851 parts of Macon County and Haywood County were combined to form Jackson County.

 
The clock tower of the old Macon County Courthouse (1881–1972)

A new two-story brick courthouse was designed by William Gould Bulgin and constructed by John Davis in 1881. The neighboring Clay County Courthouse was modeled after it. Macon County's historic courthouse was demolished when a new three-story modern neo-formalist courthouse was built in 1972 by architect Kyle C Boone. However, the former courthouse's cupola was saved and remains on display in a downtown park.[6]

Macon County's first hospital opened in Franklin in August 1923. In 1926, the first permanent hospital in North Carolina west of Asheville was built and named Angel Brothers Hospital. It was renamed Angel Hospital in 1940. A new $68 million Angel Medical Center was built east of Franklin in 2022.[7]

 
Franklin Terrace Hotel in Franklin

Geography

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Interactive map of Macon County
 
Aerial view of Franklin

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 519.67 square miles (1,345.9 km2), of which 515.58 square miles (1,335.3 km2) is land and 4.09 square miles (10.6 km2) (0.79%) is water.[8]

Of the land in Macon County, 239.31 square miles (620 km2) (46.1%) are federal lands that lie within the Nantahala National Forest and are administered by the United States Forest Service. Of the 239.31 square miles (620 km2) of USFS land, 71.56 square miles (185 km2) lie in the Highlands Ranger District and the remaining 167.75 square miles (434 km2) lie in the Wayah Ranger District.[9] The county's largest natural water supply is the Cullasaja River. The Nantahala River also runs through the county, and flows into the Little Tennessee River. The Appalachian Trail winds through the western end of Macon County.

As of 2024, Macon County has 21,973 acres devoted to agriculture, with a total of 346 farms.[10]

National protected areas

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State and local protected areas/sites

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See also: Category:Protected areas of Macon County, North Carolina

Waterfalls

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Cullasaja Falls

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Main article: Cullasaja Falls

Cullasaja Falls is a waterfall in Southwestern North Carolina east of Franklin. The waterfall is located on the Cullasaja River in the Nantahala National Forest and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning "honey locust place." The falls is the last major waterfall on the Cullasaja River.[12] The falls is a long cascade over the course of 0.2 miles (300 m). The height of the falls is given as 200 ft (61 m) in Kevin Adams' book, North Carolina Waterfalls[12] and 250 ft (76 m) by NCWaterfalls.com.[13] Google Earth gives a height (based on the elevation of the water at the top of the falls and the elevation of the plunge pool at the bottom of the falls) of 137 ft (42 m).

The falls can be glimpsed from vehicles on the road; however, getting a better view of the falls is not easy. The falls are located beside of a series of blind curves on Highway 64 with sheer rock cliffs above and below the road. There is only one small pull-off near the falls, but walking on the road puts visitors in danger of being hit by a passing vehicle. This water fall is just up the road of the Cullasaja River RV Park.

Dry Falls

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Main article: Dry Falls (Macon County)

Dry Falls, also known as Upper Cullasaja Falls, is a 65-foot (20 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest, northwest of Highlands, North Carolina. Dry Falls flows on the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. It is part of a series of waterfalls on an 8.7-mile (14.0 km) stretch of the river that eventually ends with Cullasaja Falls. Dry Falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk up under the falls and remain relatively dry when the water flow is low, hence its name. Visitors will get wet if the water flow is high. The falls has been called Dry Falls for a long time, but has also been known by such names as High Falls, Pitcher Falls, and Cullasaja Falls.[14]

Dry Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 15.7 miles (25 km) southeast of Franklin, North Carolina and 3.1 miles (5 km) north of Highlands, North Carolina. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park before walking the short path with stairs to the falls. Significant improvements to the parking area and trail were completed by the United States Forest Service in 2009.

Bridal Veil Falls

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Main article: Bridal Veil Falls (Macon County)

Bridal Veil Falls is a 45-foot (14 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest, southeast of Franklin. With a short curve of roadway located behind the falls, it has the distinction of being the only waterfall in the state that one can drive a vehicle under. Bridal Veil Falls flows on a tributary of the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. The falls flows over an overhanging bluff; visitors may walk behind the falls and remain dry when the water flow is low. During periods of drought, the stream may nearly dry up, though visitors will get wet if the water flow is moderate or high. To avoid this, visitors may drive behind the falls.

Bridal Veil Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 16.5 miles (27 km) southeast of Franklin and 2.3 miles (4 km) north of Highlands. Highway 64 originally used the curve of roadway behind the falls exclusively so that all traffic went behind them; however, this caused problems with icing of the roadway during freezing weather. Hwy. 64 has since been re-routed around the front of the falls. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park and view the falls as well. In 2003, a massive boulder slid off the left side of the falls, blocking that side of the drive-under completely. However, in July 2007, that boulder was removed by a local developer. The road under the falls is now free of obstruction.[15]

Quarry Falls

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Main article: Quarry Falls (Macon County)

Quarry Falls is a small waterfall (or perhaps large rapid in high water) located beside US Hwy. 64 southeast of Franklin. Known to locals as "Bust Your Butt," it is best known for the large, deep pool at the bottom, and is a popular place for swimming during warm weather.

Major water bodies

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Adjacent counties

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Major highways

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Major infrastructure

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18305,333—
18404,869−8.7%
18506,38931.2%
18606,004−6.0%
18706,61510.2%
18808,06421.9%
189010,10225.3%
190012,10419.8%
191012,1910.7%
192012,8875.7%
193013,6726.1%
194015,88016.1%
195016,1741.9%
196014,935−7.7%
197015,7885.7%
198020,17827.8%
199023,49916.5%
200029,81126.9%
201033,92213.8%
202037,0149.1%
2023 (est.)38,412[1]3.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[16]
1790–1960[17] 1900–1990[18]
1990–2000[19] 2010[20] 2020[1]

2020 census

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Macon County, North Carolina – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[21] Pop 2010[22] Pop 2020[23] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 28,628 30,599 31,535 96.03% 90.20% 85.20%
Black or African American alone (NH) 353 419 252 1.18% 1.24% 0.68%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 79 143 167 0.27% 0.42% 0.45%
Asian alone (NH) 117 201 250 0.39% 0.59% 0.68%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 4 3 6 0.01% 0.01% 0.02%
Other race alone (NH) 11 28 103 0.04% 0.08% 0.28%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 165 299 1,203 0.55% 0.88% 3.25%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 454 2,230 3,498 1.52% 6.57% 9.45%
Total 29,811 33,922 37,014 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%


As of the 2020 census, there were 37,014 people, 15,921 households, and 10,250 families residing in the county.

2000 census

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At the 2000 census,[24] there were 29,811 people, 12,828 households, and 8,902 families residing in the county. The population density was 58 people per square mile (22 people/km2). There were 20,746 housing units at an average density of 40 units per square mile (15 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.18% White, 1.20% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. 1.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 12,828 households, out of which 24.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were married couples living together, 8.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.60% were non-families. 27.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.74.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.30% under the age of 18, 6.10% from 18 to 24, 23.20% from 25 to 44, 27.90% from 45 to 64, and 22.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 92.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,139, and the median income for a family was $37,381. Males had a median income of $28,113 versus $20,081 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,642. About 8.80% of families and 12.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.00% of those under age 18 and 11.80% of those age 65 or over.

Law, government, public safety

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Government

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Macon County is governed by its elected Board of Commissioners and administered by the Board's appointed County Manager. Macon County is a member of the regional Southwestern Commission council of governments. As of 2024, Macon County has the lowest property tax rate in North Carolina – 27 cents per $100.[25]

United States presidential election results for Macon County, North Carolina[26]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 14,211 68.51% 6,230 30.03% 302 1.46%
2016 12,127 68.38% 4,876 27.50% 731 4.12%
2012 10,835 64.26% 5,712 33.88% 314 1.86%
2008 10,317 59.85% 6,620 38.40% 301 1.75%
2004 9,448 62.89% 5,489 36.53% 87 0.58%
2000 8,406 63.52% 4,683 35.39% 145 1.10%
1996 5,267 49.34% 4,209 39.43% 1,199 11.23%
1992 4,797 42.53% 4,624 41.00% 1,858 16.47%
1988 6,026 61.39% 3,773 38.44% 17 0.17%
1984 6,661 64.95% 3,570 34.81% 25 0.24%
1980 4,727 52.34% 4,105 45.45% 199 2.20%
1976 3,673 45.25% 4,406 54.27% 39 0.48%
1972 4,134 69.20% 1,749 29.28% 91 1.52%
1968 3,295 50.48% 2,070 31.71% 1,162 17.80%
1964 2,900 43.45% 3,774 56.55% 0 0.00%
1960 3,735 54.66% 3,098 45.34% 0 0.00%
1956 3,408 52.98% 3,025 47.02% 0 0.00%
1952 3,327 49.49% 3,396 50.51% 0 0.00%
1948 2,388 44.98% 2,785 52.46% 136 2.56%
1944 2,510 46.78% 2,855 53.22% 0 0.00%
1940 2,312 44.01% 2,941 55.99% 0 0.00%
1936 2,554 43.55% 3,311 56.45% 0 0.00%
1932 2,307 41.49% 3,223 57.97% 30 0.54%
1928 2,903 56.99% 2,191 43.01% 0 0.00%
1924 2,015 47.85% 2,178 51.72% 18 0.43%
1920 2,050 48.50% 2,177 51.50% 0 0.00%
1916 1,069 48.26% 1,146 51.74% 0 0.00%
1912 134 6.72% 1,020 51.13% 841 42.16%

Public safety

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Sheriff and municipal police

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The Macon County Sheriff's Office provides court security, jail administration, and protection of all county owned facilities for all of Macon county plus patrol and detective services for the unincorporated parts of the county.[27] Incorporated towns Franklin, pop 3,845, and Highlands. population 924, have municipal police departments. When requested, assistance is available from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, SBI.[28]

Fire and Emergency services

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Macon County Emergency Services oversees contracts with the eleven volunteer fire departments that provide protection to Macon County residents and businesses and also provides for fire inspections. Macon County has a fire prevention ordinance enforceable by civil and criminal penalties,[29]

Education

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Franklin High School

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Franklin High School

Franklin High School is a public high school serving grades 9–12, and is a part of the Macon County Schools district.[30]

Union Academy

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Union Academy is an alternative public school in Macon County, North Carolina for grades 6–12.[31] It is located near the South Macon Elementary school. Its name was changed from Union Alternative in 2006.

Macon Early College

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Macon Early College is a high school that offers college classes located next to the greenway and public library of Franklin. Southwestern Community College (North Carolina) is a partner in the program. As of 2008, SCC was ranked 4th in the list of America's best community colleges.[32] Macon Early College is one of the three high schools in the Macon area, coming into existence after the Franklin High School, but before the Union Academy.

Media

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The Franklin Press has been published weekly in Franklin since 1888. It is the oldest extant business in Macon County. The Press was preceded by four other Macon County newspapers: The Franklin Observer and The Western Carolinian (both of which began in 1860), the Macon Advance (started in 1877), and The Western Reporter (1880-1881). None of them lasted more than a few years.[33]

Highlands has been served by The Highlander newspaper since 1958. It was preceded by a newspaper of the same name that began in 1885 and ceased publication in 1887 due to financial hardship.[34]

Communities

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Map of Macon County with municipal and township labels

Towns

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Unincorporated communities

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Townships

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "QuickFacts: Macon County, North Carolina". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ "The New Blue Ridge Highlander". theblueridgehighlander.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  4. ^ Nantahala Outdoor Center Archived February 9, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 195.
  6. ^ a b Harder, Dean; Bahadoosingh, Virine (2012). "Macon County". Courthouses.co. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  7. ^ Lofthouse, Brittney (September 12, 2022). "Nearly 100 years after Dr. Angel launched Angel Medical Center, new hospital facility to hold ribbon cutting on Tuesday". The Southern Scoop. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  8. ^ "2020 County Gazetteer Files – North Carolina". United States Census Bureau. August 23, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  9. ^ "USFS lands may hit the auction block". Archived from the original on July 5, 2008. Retrieved February 26, 2009. Land Trust for the Little Tennessee
  10. ^ Foster, Randy (October 15, 2024). "County facing challenges to local economy". Cherokee Scout. pp. 1A, 8A. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c "NCWRC Game Lands". www.ncpaws.org. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Kevin Adams, North Carolina Waterfalls, p. 470
  13. ^ NCWaterfalls.com
  14. ^ Kevin Adams, North Carolina Waterfalls, p. 467
  15. ^ NCWaterfalls.com Bridal Veil Falls
  16. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  17. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  18. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  19. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  20. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
  21. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Macon County, North Carolina". United States Census Bureau.
  22. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Macon County, North Carolina". United States Census Bureau.
  23. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Macon County, North Carolina". United States Census Bureau.
  24. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  25. ^ Foster, Randy (October 23, 2024). "Tax rates are not that high in the county". Cherokee Scout. Murphy, NC: Community Newspapers Inc. p. A1.
  26. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  27. ^ "Sheriff's Office | Sheriff Robert L. Holland | Macon NC Government". maconnc.org. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  28. ^ "NCSBI - Home". www.ncsbi.gov. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  29. ^ "Public Safety | Macon County North Carolina | Macon NC Government". maconnc.org. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  30. ^ Our Schools | Macon County Schools. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  31. ^ "Main". Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  32. ^ "SCC ranks fourth in the nation - SCC News Release - Southwestern Community College". Archived from the original on April 18, 2009. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
  33. ^ "About Us". The Franklin Press. Community Newspapers, Inc. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  34. ^ "About Us". The Highlander. Community Newspapers, Inc. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
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