Hendersonville

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Henderson is called a "typical" mountain county, because it consists of all these elements: Mountain ranges, isolated peaks, a rolling plateau, and level valley areas. Elevations range from 1,400 near Bat Cave at the foot of the Blue Ridge, to 5,000 on Little Pisgah. For all their gentle inclines, however, the routes have lifted the lowlander onto a remarkable intermountain plateau, covering about 75 square miles around Hendersonville, Flat Rock and Fruitland. Hendersonville was named after Judge Leonard Henderson.

At first agriculture was the sole producer of revenue for the citizens of Henderson County. Adding to the economy later was what is today called tourism. Having easy access from the lowlands, Hendersonville became a vacation spot for people to spend the summer months because of its invigorating climate. This basic economy held up until after World War II, with the founding of the Chamber of Commerce program, industrial development became an important part of that program. As a result, today the economy base consists of manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and retirement development.

The first settlers developed the usual pioneer household: Hard-working and self-sufficient. Early products were corn, wheat, rye, grass, potatoes, and cabbage. William Mills each year put out hundreds of fruit trees at this Fruitland home, and his neighbors, observing how well they thrived, honored him by imitation. Today, Henderson County leads the State in production of apples, and the orchards continue to spread up and down the hillsides. Henderson County shared in and got hurt by the curious land boom of the '20s. This was a backwash of the Florida boom, which was beginning to die out, and promoters flocked into the mountains in an effort to duplicate their success further south. They were heartily joined by the more enthusiastic and hopeful natives. Mountain land ordinarily worth $5 an acre sold for 10 or 20 times as much; subdivisions with fancy names sprang up by the dozens.

Henderson County's interest in religion was paralleled by concern for education. The first schools were known as "old field schools." The first academy was founded at Mills River in 1797, with Rev. David Haddon as first teacher. Records show 29 public schools and perhaps as many private ones prior to 1860.

Downtown Hendersonville was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in March of 1988. It has become a vital part of the community's economic and cultural growth. The serpentine street features planter boxes brimming with seasonal flowers and trees. Thriving businesses such as specialty shops, antique stores and restaurants offering something for everyone of all ages. The historic district offers the visitor traditional southern hometown charm. Downtown hosts many activities including the NC Apple Festival held during Labor Day weekend, as well as art shows, street dances and parades throughout the year. For additional information call Downtown Hendersonville, Inc. (828) 697-2022.

Government

Hendersonville has a Mayor-Council form of government. Council members are nominated and elected from the city-at-large for a period of four years, and the mayor is elected from the city-at-large for a period of four years.

Henderson County is governed by a Board of Commissioners of five members elected for a term of four years. The five elect a chairman. The county has a full time administrator.

Industry

There are over 60 manufacturing establishments in Henderson County which employ approximately 7.5 thousand workers. The largest are: General Electric, Kimberly-Clark, Rockwell International, Steelcase, and Wilsonart International.

Cultural

Absolute Theatre Company, The Arts Center, The Arts League of Henderson County, Carolina Chamber Singers, The Belfry Players, The Blue Ridge Radio Players, Flat Rock Playhouse (The State Theatre of N.C.), Four Seasons Arts Council, Hendersonville Little Theatre, Hendersonville Chorale, Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, Hendersonville Community Concert Band, Opportunity House (Cultural Center), The Vagabond School of Drama Children's Theatre.

Civic Clubs

Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Jaycees, Civitan, Sertoma, Optimist, and Soroptimist.

Hospitals/Health Care

Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital (262 beds), Park Ridge Hospital (100 beds), Blue Ridge Health Center, Trend Community Mental Health Services, Henderson County Health Department.
Physicians: 139 Dentists: 34

Recreation

Parks: 12 Movie Theatres: 2

*source - Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce