Avery County is the 100th and last
county formed in North Carolina in 1911, from portions of
Mitchell, Watauga and Caldwell Counties. It is named for
Waightstill Avery (1741-1819) who was a Colonel in the Continental
Army during the Revolutionary War, a member of North Carolina
state legislature, 1776, 1782-83, 1793, North Carolina State
Attorney General, 1777-79; and a member of North Carolina
state senate, 1796. It is characterized by rugged mountains
including Grandfather Mountain, home to the Grandfather
Mountain Highland Games & Gathering of Scottish Clans.
It has the highest average elevation of any county in the
United States east of the Rocky Mountains, reaching that
of 5,964 ft. above sea level. Approximately half of the
county lies within the Pisgah National Forest. There are
many wild trout streams and ski resorts located within its
boundaries. The population in 2002 was 17,526. The county
seat is Newland.
Source:
Avery County History
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