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Discover West Jefferson’s History in a New Book

April 29, 2014. Arcadia Publishing tells the history of West Jefferson through pictures in the new book, “West Jefferson.” The book by the Ashe County Historical Society is set to release on May 12. The book boasts 200 vintage images, many of which have never been published and showcases memories of days gone by.

imgresLocated on the northwest corner of North Carolina, West Jefferson was once known for its cherry orchards. In 1779, Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, a hero of the Battle of King’s Mountain, received a grant for 320 acres in a mountain valley in return for his service during the Revolutionary War. In 1912, the Virginia-Carolina Railroad became interested in the area’s timber, farming and mining resources and began building a railroad into Ashe County, ending in Todd. When the railroad came, the area was already populated with farms and businesses as it was only two miles from the county seat of Jefferson.

The North Carolina General Assembly chartered the town of West Jefferson in 1915, with boundaries extending one mile in each direction from the Virginia-Carolina Railroad depot. The railroad brought commercial growth and the First National Bank of West Jefferson was opened in 1915 as well.

West Jefferson showcases the expansion of this small town with a popular rail line to a tourist destination and retail center in the North Carolina Mountains.

Available at bookstores, independent retailers and online or through Arcadia Publishing.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Their mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.