Hendersonville History, North Carolina

Hendersonville is a beautiful city in North Carolina, USA. It is a part of four-county Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area. It lies 40 miles from Spartanburg. The city of Hendersonville has a rich history and great traditions. Hendersonville was recognized as a county seat of Henderson County in 1847. In the same year Hendersonville received its charter from the General Assembly.

Five commissioners were selected as members of the governing body. Soon a city constable was also appointed to collect the tax. Before the Revolutionary War, Hendersonville was an uninhabited Cherokee hunting ground. A war soldier William Mills discovered the area of Hendersonville in the 1780s. He discovered a land west of the “Blue Ridge” and established a small community there.

The county of Hendersonville was named after the Chief Justice of the state, Judge Leonard Henderson. After receiving the charter, Hendersonville witnessed industrialization and an increase in population. The town of Hendersonville is surrounded by mountains and isolated peaks. Agriculture and tourism were producers of revenue for this town.

Because of the area’s invigorating climate, Hendersonville became the major tourist spot in this region. After World War II, Hendersonville became a major industrial hub.

The Chamber of Commerce was also established there which led to the boom of manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. Also a great number of significant commercial enterprises were established in this area. Hendersonville continued to prosper as a town. Local communities played an important role in the development of this area. Some of the major communities are Kenmure and Fletcher, Zirconia, Etowah, Bearwallow and Tuxedo etc.

The early settlers cultivated potatoes, wheat, rye and corn. William Mills and the first settlers planted many trees in this area which made the state of North Carolina a leading state in apple production.

Some of the early settlers also played an important role in establishing a link between the mountain natives and the world of business. The Baptist Church was the first organized church in this area.

After the industrial revolution and World War II, Hendersonville became a popular tourist destination. Hendersonville’s elevation provided a cool escape from the heat of the lowlands attracting many tourists.