Welcome to Henderson County NCGenWeb
Henderson County is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern North Carolina and was formed from a part of Buncombe County in 1838. Hendersonville, the largest community was incorporated in 1847. The county gets its name from Leonard Henderson, who was chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court from 1829 to 1833.
Early on, eight townships provided leadership within Henderson County. The county’s townships were Hendersonville, Blue Ridge, Green River, Edneyville, Mills River, Hoopers Creek, Crab Creek and Clear Creek. These townships were active and became the foundation for the county. Today some of Henderson County’s popular municipalities besides the above-mentioned townships include Fletcher, Laurel Park, Mills River, and the Village of Flat Rock.
The Cherokee Indians were the first inhabitants of this county. Hendersonville was part of the early land grants west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a very rich heritage. In 1787, Revolutionary War soldier William Mills, settled on his property located here in Henderson County. Mills is credited with establishing the foundations for the county and its principal city. Mills planted hundreds of fruit trees in the area, along with typical crops.
Carl Sandburg, a Literary giant spent the last two decades of his life in Flat Rock on his homestead called Connemara. Today, his home and farm are preserved as historic sites. The Flatrock Playhouse which was established in the early 1940s, is still the official North Carolina State Theater.
Today Henderson County leads the state in apple production. The county’s economy also depends on its tourism and retirement facilities. Visitors enjoy a full range of outdoor activities from biking and hiking throughout the Pisgah National Forest to taking in the panoramic views along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Henderson county has a tranquil setting with a mild climate which earns it a place among the nation’s top retirement destinations.
Due to its draw, Henderson County continues to grow. Its current population in 2023 is 119,143, with Hendersonville at 15,140.
Knowledge Library
Research Tips:
When the Counties were formed in North Carolina:
Henderson in 1838 (from Buncombe)∫ Buncombe in 1791 (from Burke and Rutherford) ∫ Burke in 1777 ( from Rowan) ∫ Rutherford in 1779 (from Tryon) ∫ Tryon in 1768 (now extinct, from Mecklenburg) ∫ Rowan in 1753 (from Mecklenburg) ∫ Mecklenburg in 1763 (from Anson) ∫ Anson in 1750 (from Bladen) ∫ Bladen in 1734 (from New Hanover) ∫ New Hanover in 1729 (from Craven) ∫ Craven in 1705 (from Bath).
See Formation of Counties in the state of North Carolina 1663-1943 written by David Leroy Corbitt
For more information on North Carolina Counties, go to: NC State Department of Archives
Have a Question?
©NCGenWeb & all content contributors. All rights reserved.