Area Resources
 
 
 

Area Resources

Waynesville - A quiet community that evolved through the years

Waynesville did not become a relocation and vacation destination by accident, and it didn’t happen overnight, either.
Since the railroad came to town in 1884 people have flocked here to enjoy the slow pace of life, the mountain views and the mild temperatures.
Today, the town is a true American icon: a small town set amidst towering mountains, with a leafy walkable quaint business district, vibrant arts scene, folksy neighbors, and plenty of diversions to keep almost anyone occupied.
Settled in 1809, the town is named after founder Col. Robert Love’s former Revolutionary War commander, Gen. Anthony Wayne.
The center of town grew around the railroad depot in a neighborhood which became known as Frog Level. Later, downtown was moved to a nearby ridge, and that is where Main Street and the majority of the town’s business are. Today, both downtown and Frog Level are listed as national historic districts.
Waynesville is the seat of Haywood County and the county’s largest town and the largest town in North Carolina west of Asheville.
Just one mile west of downtown is Sulpher Springs, the scene of the final shot of the Civil War fired east of the Mississippi. The location is now known as the Battle of Waynesville: on May 6, 1865, federal forces led by Col. William C. Bartlett were attacked by a detachment of rebels from the Thomas Legion of Highlanders. The Confederated negotiated a surrender even though Robert E. Lee had already agreed to an end to the war.

Waynesville facts


Founded: 1809
Incorporated: 1871
Elevation of town hall: 2,720 feet
Location: 35º28.60 N,82º59.40W
Size: 7.8 square miles
Population: 10,000
Population destiny: 1,191 per square mile
Race: 94 percent white, 3 percent black, 2 percent latino
Government: Mayor, four aldermen, town manager
Schools: Tuscola High, Waynesville Middle, Hazelwood, Central and Junaluska elementaries


Interesting facts
• Waynesville’s drinking water comes from a closely-protected 8,000-acre watershed south of town and carries one of the highest classifications from the state.
• Waynesville is actually two towns in one: in 1995 it annexed Hazelwood, a struggling neighbor. An agreement stipulates that the old Hazelwood Town Hall must remain open as a municipal building.
• Waynesville has a highly-regarded land use plan which splits the town into 29 neighborhoods, each with specific building codes.
• The largest industries in Waynesville, besides government and schools, are Giles Chemical, the largest manufacturer of epsom salt in North America; Wellco Enterprises, a supplier of military footwear; associated Packaging, which makes the waxed containers used for milk and juice cartons and other specialty paper.
If counted together, though, by far the largest industry would be the tourist industry.

 

Housing options range from affordable fixerups to high dollar estates

Housing in Haywood County starts at rock bottom prices — yes, you can even occasionally find a home for $50,000 — and tops out north of $5 million.
In between the housing stock includes everything from ratty single-wides to urbane condos to sprawling estates to historic landmarks to luxe cabins with views to match the price tag.
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Haywood County Schools

The Haywood County Schools received system wide accreditation in 2007. The district is among the first 20 school systems in the state and among the first 100 in the nation to receive this prestigious goal.
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EDC, mission is fostering growth

The Haywood County Economic Development Commission is a partnership agency of county government whose board includes members from a broad range of community and government interests.
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To get a North Carolina driver’s License:

If you are moving to North Carolina and have a driver license from another state, you must surrender it and apply for a North Carolina license within 60 days from when you establish a permanent residence.
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