Serene as a Norman Rockwell painting, the mountain-trimmed town of Hayesville serves as Clay County's seat. This tiny, sparsely settled town is nestled in the southwestern tip of North Carolina off Highway 64. Within a stone's throw of its small territory lies the great Natahala National Forest.

On the outskirts of Hayesville, cattle graze in verdant pastures, farmers plow fields, and the air smells of honeysuckle.

Outsiders are attracted to this town like a magnet. People wave passing on the winding, country roads and greet each other with a smile on Hayesville streets.

About The Town

A picturesque courthouse stands on the town square. Built in 1888, it's on the Historic Register. The red brick building, with its white trim and towering steeple, has been the subject of many paintings.

On a hill just one block from the square, Truett Memorial Baptist Church overlooks the town. The orchard stone building was named after Dr. George W. Truett, a native son and world-renowned preacher.

Hayesville History

Hayesville was named after George W. Hayes, a district representative in the legislature.

He introduced a bill that formed Clay County: thus, the county seat was named for him.

DeSoto and his expedition of Spaniards explored the area in 1540 and wrote of friendly meetings with the Indians. The wilderness was opened 300 years later to the first white settler, John C. Moore.

A settlement grew around Fort Hembree, a mile west of Hayesville. The fort was one of several used in the removal of the Cherokee during the 1830's from the western North Carolina to Indian territory in present-day Oklahoma.

Twenty years after Fort Hembree was built, pioneers moved the country seat to Hayesville. With a population of 375, it remains the only incorporated town in Clay County. Interestingly, Haysville is closer to the capital cities of Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tannessee, and West Virginia than to Raleigh.

Hospitality Going Around

Last year, some 7,400 people traveled across the Blue Ridge to Haysville for the year-round schedule of dramas, musicals, and community theater, the Peacock Playhouse.

The numbers prove we're doing something right, says Greg Phillips, artistic director. 'People are starved for culture. We are offering quality theater in this small region, and I'm happy with the road we're on".

Haysville is gorgeous all year, but especially in autumn when the trees are ablaze with color, and cool winds scour the summer haze from the mountains. There's a crispness in the air that is accompanied by breathtaking views.

Tourist show up in droves for Haysville's Festival on the square, which is held the first weekend after the Fourth of July. Many craftpeople exhibit and sell their arts and crafts to the attendees. Barbecued food and lots of good bluegrass music--of course, with clogging--are the highlights of the festival.

The town with a heart of gold is experiencing growing pains. Familiar franchises are being constructed along the bypass, and land has been purchased for an industrial park.

According to County Commissioner Paul Jordan, Haysville "wants to recruit pollution-free industries that will not damage the enviroment. This will offer residents much needed jobs" instead of driving citizens to relocate.

But Haysville remains a quiet mountain town--and one with warmth and, of course, a golden heart.

Written by Brenda Kay Ledford, a retired school teacher and freelance writer.
Hayesville is her hometown.