History of McDowell County, NC

History

McDowell County, North Carolina lies in the western part of the state. Native Indians, the Cherokee and Catawba inhabited the land before Europeans. Exploration was conducted as early as 1566 by the Spanish. A land grant was obtained by John McDowell in 1748, his son was Joseph McDowell.

Colonel John Carson, build a house in 1793 in what is now Pleasant Gardens section of McDowell County where the house still stands.

In 1842, parts of Burke and Rutherford counties were lopped off to form McDowell County.

McDowell County Next-Door Neighbors

• Buncombe County, 1791, from Burke and Rutherford

• Avery, 1911, from Caldwell, Mitchell and Watauga

• Mitchell, 1861, from Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Watauga and Yancey

• Yancey, 1833, from Buncombe and Burke

• Rutherford, 1779, from Burke and Tryon

• Burke, 1777, from Rowan

McDowell County’s Neighborhood

• Cleveland, 1841, from Rutherford and Lincoln

• Polk, 1855, from Henderson and Rutherford

• Henderson, 1838, from Buncombe

• Madison, 1851, from Buncombe and Yancey

• Rest of the 90 North Carolina counties NC

More information about the history of McDowell County can be found at the following site(s):

• Historical Sketch of McDowell, Burke & Caldwell County

Information on this site begins in 1842 when McDowell County was created from parts of Burke and Rutherford counties. Check out the development of North Carolina counties prior to  1842 to research citizens living in the area.

History and Facts about NC Counties

County Formation State Library of North Carolina

North Carolina County Formation, NC Pedia

NC County Timeline Map, 1664-1911

History and NC Maps beginning 1585

Heartbeat of Genealogy – Volunteer Contributors

Contributors are the heart that keeps genealogy beating for future generations. Throughout the site you will see names listed for those who have contributed their timeless and valuable information for others. Thank-You is not enough to express our gratitude to those listed below:

• Jeannie Hicks

• Elaine Kahler

• Rick Frederick

• Gladys Avery Cooper

• Joseph Cook

Transcription of documents is the greatest need.  Documents such as Family Bibles, wills, deeds, census records, etc.  If you would like to be a contributor, or transcriber, Please email .