Bakersville
Bakersville, the Mitchell County Seat, serves as the gateway to Roan Mountain. At a population of around 450 residents, Bakersville is one of the smallest-sized county seats in North Carolina.
Bakersville is named after David Baker, a Revolutionary War soldier who settled nearby. Baker died in 1838; however, his ancestors remained in the area. The community was first recognized as a town in 1857. It was briefly named Davis in the 1860s - presumably after Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The town name returned to Bakersville in 1868 and incorporated two years later.
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| The historic Mitchell County Courthouse |
When you drive into Bakersville, it is hard not to miss the historic Mitchell County Courthouse. Built in 1908, the courthouse served Mithcell County until 2003, when a new courthouse was constructed outside of Bakersville's Downtown. Following a community effort to restore the courthouse, it currently holds the Mitchell County Board of Elections, the Mitchell County Historical Society, and the Rural Education Partnership. The two-story courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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| Mitchell Street in Bakersville. |
Downtown Bakersville is home to several art galleries, antique shops, and boutique stores. Every June since 1946, Bakersville hosts the North Carolina Rhododendron Festival. The two-day event that includes a pageant, 10k run, craft show, live music, and more attracts thousands to the community.
All photos taken by post author - March 29, 2024.
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