Burnsville, North Carolina

By | May 21, 2023

According to answermba, Burnsville, North Carolina is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. The town has a population of just over 2,000 and is situated in Yancey County. The area is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Burnsville is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest to the east and south, while the Appalachian Trail runs through the area providing access to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region. The town itself sits at an elevation of 2,400 feet above sea level and offers breathtaking views of nearby mountains including Mount Mitchell, which at 6,684 feet is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

The climate in Burnsville is moderate with warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from lows around 45 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to highs around 85 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. The area receives ample precipitation throughout the year with an average annual rainfall of over 45 inches per year.

The geography of Burnsville also includes two rivers that run through it – Cane River to the north and South Toe River to the south – providing plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and tubing. There are also numerous lakes nearby for boating or relaxing on a sunny day.

In addition to its natural beauty, Burnsville offers plenty of cultural attractions as well including galleries featuring local artwork, live music venues showcasing regional talent, historical sites such as Penland School of Crafts and Asheville-Buncombe Technical College’s Yancey Center campus which offer educational opportunities for all ages.

Overall, Burnsville’s geography provides a unique mix of outdoor recreation options combined with cultural attractions that make it an ideal destination for anyone looking for a small-town experience in one of North Carolina’s most beautiful regions.

Burnsville, North Carolina

History of Burnsville, North Carolina

Burnsville, North Carolina has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The town was originally established in 1808 as the county seat of Yancey County and was named after Colonel James Burns, who served in the American Revolutionary War. Colonel Burns was a prominent figure in the area and had a large influence on the development of the town.

In 1835, Burnsville was officially incorporated as a town, and by 1840 it had become an important stop on several stagecoach routes. This led to an increase in commerce and industry in the area, including textile mills and coal mines. In addition, two railroad lines were built through Burnsville in 1855 and 1872 which allowed for further economic growth.

By 1900, Burnsville had become a bustling center of commerce with numerous stores, churches, schools, banks and hotels. The town also provided access to medical care with two doctors practicing medicine at this time. However, this period of prosperity was short-lived due to the Great Depression which caused many businesses to close their doors and unemployment rates to skyrocket.

The economy began to recover during World War II when many people moved into the area for jobs related to military manufacturing plants located nearby. This influx of new residents led to an increase in population which stabilized during the 1950s but declined again during the 1960s as people moved away from rural areas for better job opportunities elsewhere.

Today, Burnsville is still home to a few small businesses but has become primarily a residential community with many retirees choosing this small mountain town as their home due its picturesque scenery and slower pace of life compared to larger cities nearby. Despite its small size, Burnsville continues to offer visitors plenty of attractions such as galleries featuring local artwork, live music venues showcasing regional talent and nearby national forests for outdoor recreation activities like hiking or fishing.

Economy of Burnsville, North Carolina

Burnsville, North Carolina has a diverse economy that is driven by the town’s proximity to larger cities and its natural resources. The town was established in 1808 and quickly grew into an important stop on stagecoach routes due to its location near the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. This allowed for an increase in commerce and industry in the area, including textile mills and coal mines. In 1855 and 1872, two railroad lines were built through Burnsville which allowed for further economic growth.

By 1900, Burnsville had become a bustling center of commerce with numerous stores, churches, schools, banks and hotels. The town also provided access to medical care with two doctors practicing medicine at this time. However, this period of prosperity was short-lived due to the Great Depression which caused many businesses to close their doors and unemployment rates to skyrocket.

The economy began to recover during World War II when many people moved into the area for jobs related to military manufacturing plants located nearby. This influx of new residents led to an increase in population which stabilized during the 1950s but declined again during the 1960s as people moved away from rural areas for better job opportunities elsewhere.

Today, Burnsville is still home to a few small businesses such as restaurants, specialty shops, auto repair shops, gas stations and more but has become primarily a residential community with many retirees choosing this small mountain town as their home due its picturesque scenery and slower pace of life compared to larger cities nearby. Tourism is also an important part of the local economy with visitors coming from all over the region to enjoy attractions such as galleries featuring local artwork, live music venues showcasing regional talent or outdoor recreation activities like hiking or fishing at nearby national forests.

In addition, Burnsville is home to several large employers such as Mission Hospital McDowell (a healthcare facility), Thermo Fisher Scientific (a biotechnology company) and Appalachian State University (a public university). The town also benefits from its location at the intersection of US 19E/US 23E which provides easy access for commuters who work in larger cities such as Asheville or Johnson City Tennessee. Overall, Burnsville’s economy remains strong despite its small size thanks largely in part due its diverse range of industries that provide jobs for both residents and commuters alike.

Politics in Burnsville, North Carolina

Burnsville, North Carolina is a small mountain town located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Yancey County. It has a population of about 1,500 people and is a part of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area. Politically, Burnsville leans towards the Democratic Party and has been solidly blue since 2000.

The North Carolina General Assembly is composed of members from both parties who are elected by their constituents to represent their interests in Raleigh. In Burnsville, all three members of the General Assembly are Democrats: Representative Joe Sam Queen represents District 119; Senator Ralph Hise represents District 47; and Senator Terry Van Duyn represents District 49. At the local level, Yancey County has traditionally voted Republican but recently there has been an increase in support for Democratic candidates as well.

The Town Council of Burnsville is comprised of five council members who are elected to serve two-year terms on a nonpartisan basis. Currently, there are four Democrats and one Republican serving on the council. The Mayor is elected by popular vote every two years and serves as chief executive officer of the town government. The current Mayor is Democrat Shawn Jackson who was first elected in 2017.

The Town Council sets policy for Burnsville and works with staff to ensure that services such as water, sewer, trash collection, parks maintenance, and public safety are provided efficiently and effectively to residents. They also work with developers on projects that will benefit the town while ensuring they meet all necessary regulations such as environmental protection laws or zoning ordinances. The Council also works closely with state and federal representatives to secure funding for infrastructure improvements or other programs that will benefit Burnsville’s citizens.

Overall, politics in Burnsville largely favor Democratic candidates due to its location within a blue state like North Carolina which traditionally votes for progressive policies such as healthcare reform or increased public education spending while opposing socially conservative measures such as restrictive abortion laws or anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The Town Council also works diligently to ensure that all citizens have access to quality services regardless of political affiliation or socioeconomic status so that everyone can enjoy life in this beautiful mountain town without feeling left behind or neglected by their government officials.