Spruce Pine North Carolina
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,030 people,
888 households, and 575 families residing in the
town - making Spruce Pine the largest town in
Mitchell County.
Information
Spruce Pine was founded in 1907 when the Clinchfield
Railroad made its way down the North Toe River from
Erwin, Tennessee. The town was originally centered
around a tavern operated by Isaac English, located
on an old roadway that ran from Cranberry, North
Carolina down to Marion, NC. The Old English Inn
still stands at its original location near the
center of town.
The railroad, combined with a rapidly expanding
mining industry (the town is the namesake of the
famous Spruce Pine Mining District) made Spruce Pine
the largest town in the Toe River Valley, as it
became the hub of commerce and culture for the area.
Spruce Pine was the home of The Feldspar Company and
Spruce Pine Mica, and other major mining interests
had operations in and around the town.
Tourism has become a major economic force in the
region, and the town's proximity to the Blue Ridge
Parkway, combined with its location near the edge of
the Blue Ridge Escarpment has helped make Spruce
Pine a travel destination for many.
One of Spruce Pine's most famous natives is
children's author Gloria Houston, who was born and
raised nearby in the Green Valley community
northeast of town. Her Appalachian children's books,
set in the region around Spruce Pine, are famous for
the quality of their writing and the subjects that
they cover. Houston and the Mitchell County Chamber
of Commerce have recently undertaken promoting
Spruce Pine as being the "Home of the Perfect
Christmas Tree," taken from Houston's work "The Year
of the Perfect Christmas Tree."
Additional Demographic Information
Media and Educational Facilities - Spruce Pine is
home to The Mitchell News-Journal, a weekly
newspaper printed by Community Newspapers, Inc. and
WTOE radio, at 1470 Khz. on the AM dial. The radio
station operates 24 hours a day and is an ABC Radio
affiliate. It is owned by Mountain Valley Media,
based in Burnsville, NC.
Spruce Pine is home to three schools: Greenlee
Primary (K-2), Deyton Elementary (3-5) and Harris
Middle (6-8). Secondary education for Spruce Pine
students is at Mitchell High School, located in the
Ledger community of Mitchell County.
Mayland Community College also calls Spruce Pine
home. Founded by an act of the North Carolina
General Assembly in 1971, Mayland hosts some 35
curriculum programs and provides vocational and
technical training, along with college transfer
opportunities to residents of the region.
Health Care
The Spruce Pine Community Hospital offers both
primary and secondary care facilities. The hospital
has an operating team, and obstetrics department and
regular specialty clinics.
Shopping
With a wide variety of retail stores, shops and
boutiques in downtown Spruce Pine, there is plenty
of opportunity for shopping excursions. The Spruce
Pine public library provides books, videos and other
library services, as well as offering a large
meeting room for community groups.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a unit of the National Park
System, extends the length of our area and provides
splendid views around every corner. A visitor
information center is located at the Museum of North
Carolina Minerals at Gillespie Gap, Milepost 331.
Scenic Attractions
Dellinger Grist Mill On Cane Creek is the only
private water-powered mill that still survives in
North Carolina. The mill was entered into the
National Register of Historic Places in 1998. It has
been a family owned mill for over 130 years. The
mill is located on Cane Creek Road, 4 miles east of
Bakersville.
Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Rocky
Mountains. With incredible views, hiking, a museum
and concession stand and restaurant, it provides a
great way to enjoy the area. It is located off Blue
Ridge Parkway mile marker 355.
The Orchard at Altapass is an amazing apple orchard
located between mileposts 328 and 329 on the Blue
Ridge Parkway. It is a fully functioning orchard
that offers tours, hay rides and lunch on weekends.
Be sure to come and check out all of these great
things to do in NC Mountains and
contact us for more information about
Spruce Pine NC Real Estate. |
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