The County itself is rich in history from the times of the Cherokee Indians through the colonial settlers and into the Civil War. The County seat boasts a courthouse that is over 100 years old which was designed by the architect of the Biltmore House. And, when you drive out through the rural areas, there is evidence of the important role played in education, medical, and craft history. Trace its history of prosperity as a major route along the French Broad River from the time of the Drovers’ Road through the era of the Railroad.
The unique geography of the county is created by the presence of two important geographical features. The French Broad River flows through the county–flowing north. And the county sits in the midst of the Blue Ridge section of the Appalachian Mountains. We are fortunate to have approximately sixty miles of the Appalachian Trail carved across the northern portion and actually run right down the main street of the town of Hot Springs. Most of the land is part of the Pisgah National Forest attributing to the natural beauty that is such a draw to settlers and tourists alike.
Not much remains of the communities of Stackhouse and Runion today, but the economic impact in the late 1800s and into the 1900s left by Amos Stackhouse (for whom the community was named) was historically significant for Madison County.
Driving through the Laurel Country, you may catch a glimpse of an imposing structure that is falling into ruins. The White Rock Hospital holds a place in the history of the county in the early 1900s. From 1919 to the 1940s, Madison County’s first (and only) hospital was maintained and operated by the Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church, USA.
Driving through the Laurel Country on NC Highway 208, you will see a house, a church, school, and a barn remain at the homeplace of a unique woman who served as a pioneer in preserving mountain arts and crafts.
Because Madison County was a “border county” in a “border state” during the Civil War, there are many examples of communities as well as families divided in their allegiances.
The basic facts of the history of Madison County are that it was formed in 1851 from Buncombe and Yancey; it was named for James Madison and its county seat—the town of Marshall—bears the name of the great chief justice, John Marshall.
Long before 1827 when the state constructed the Buncombe Turnpike, drovers had discovered that the easiest route to get their livestock to markets in Asheville and points south was along the French Broad River.
56 South Main Street
Mars Hill, NC 28754
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(828) 680-9031
(877) 262-3476
PO Box 1527
Mars Hill, NC 28754
