return to WNC Regional Map

Welcome to Jackson County

NOTE: The Telephone AREA CODE for Western North Carolina is 828
The first 3 digits of the ZIP code for Jackson County are 287

 

Jackson County Map
Jackson County Directory

Jackson County Overview

   In 1808, only seventeen years after Buncombe County was formed, the southwestern portion was split off to form Haywood County. Population growth in the area was so strong that, in 1852, the southwestern portion of Haywood County and the eastern portion of Macon County were combined to form Jackson County. Jackson County was named in honor of President Andrew Jackson who was also a military hero. The county only remained as originally scoped for nine years; in 1861 the eastern portion of Jackson County was combined with the western portion of Henderson County to form Transylvania County. But, the politicians weren't finished. Just ten years later, in 1871, the northern parts of Jackson and Macon Counties were split off to form Swain County.
   Sylva, near the junction of US highways 23, 74 and 441, is the county seat.

(continued in column 2)

(continued from column 1)

   The northern portion of Jackson (Sylva, Dillsboro, Cullowhee) is almost isolated from the southern portion (Glenville, Cashiers) by rugged mountains and poor roads. (Cullowhee in northern Jackson County is the home of Western Carolina University - a well known liberal arts institution.) Cullowhee is fortunate to be sited in a thermal valley which makes for very mild winters but, unfortunately, rather warm summers.
   Two very popular attractions are The Great Smoky Mountains Railway which offers deluxe excursions lasting between 2 and 3 hours. Also, for families that would like to enjoy some whitewater rafting but are afraid of the dangers, the Tuckaseigee River is the perfect compromise. Arrangements can be made at the Blue Ridge Outing Company on US-74/441 about 15 minutes east of Cherokee or 5 minutes west of Sylva.

RETURN TO TOP

Jackson County Map

click here to contact us

© 1996...2008 MHPCo
all rights reserved

"Mountains of Fun" is a service mark of Activizers.com