Did You Know?
There are over 4,000 adjacent, private landowners to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
1904 courthouse building, now The Museum of Ashe County History Photo by Ed Reed
Location
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Jefferson, North Carolina
336.846.9368
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Near milepost 259
Jefferson, the county seat of Ashe County, is located at the foot of Mount Jefferson as seen from the overlook between mileposts 266 and 267 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The settlement was established in 1799 and was first called Jeffersonton, the first town in the new nation to bear the name of Thomas Jefferson. The name was changed to Jefferson in 1849. Jefferson has a population of 1,445 and is home to all County government. In addition, Jefferson is also home to Ashe Memorial Hospital, selected “Outstanding Rural Health Organization of the Year” by the National Rural Health Association. The former Ashe County courthouse on Main Street in Jefferson has been restored to its 1904 appearance and houses The Museum of Ashe County History, which tells the story of Ashe County and its people.
The Blue Ridge Parkway borders Ashe County for 20 miles from milepost 275 to milepost 255. The Parkway provided employment to this depressed region of Appalachia in a time when there was little other paying work to be had.
How We're Doing Our Part
During the anniversary year, the Museum of Ashe County History will feature a historical overview of the participation of Ashe County people in the construction of the Parkway. Displays will include Parkway artifacts, photographs, and documents telling the story of the Blue Ridge Parkway and its impact on this region.
