History of West Jefferson, North Carolina The people of Ashe County and West Jefferson often hold deep ties to the area’s history. There is a sense of magnificence when entering the mountains of north western North Carolina – possibly looking back to the sense of wonder the first explorers felt as they ventured into the Blue Ridge Mountain’s immense beauty for the first time.  Colonel Ben Cleveland, Revolutionary War hero particularly known for his leadership at the Battle of King’s Mountain, was the first settler to own land where West Jefferson now stands.  History tells us, Ben Cleveland received the large tract of Appalachian mountain land, including what is now Ashe County, in 1795.

Visit the Farmers Market in West Jefferson There are many reasons to shop local at the Ashe County Farmers Market.  Choosing our local farmers market means stimulating the economy of northwestern North Carolina.  It also means fresher food as food is gown locally instead of transported hundreds – sometimes even thousands of miles.  When you shop at the Ashe County Farmers Market you will find fresh vegetables, there is seasonal produce, local honey, free-range eggs, maple syrup, jams, and freshly baked breads and pastries.  Local all-natural beef, chicken, pork, and lamb as well as (occasionally) fresh mountain trout are also available in a wide variety of cuts and sizes.  In addition to fruits, meats, and vegetables the Ashe County Farmers Market features the works from talented local artisans including hand-woven baskets, pottery, candles, quilts, and soaps.  Fine wood crafts are also available for sale: one-of-kind cutting boards, bird houses, furniture, and boutique picture frames just to name a few.  The market has a wide choice of nursery items, bedding plants and flowering arrangements ready for landscaping and outdoor gardens.  During the Christmas season, the Farmers Market features Christmas trees, garland, handmade ornaments, and all types of greenery for the holiday season. More than a Farmers Market During the summer, the Farmers Market will sponsor different activities, such as a sheep-sheering Saturday, a day for Llamas, Alpacas, occasional live music and many more activities.

Winter is on the Agenda in NC Mountains. Now that the autumn days has ended and the colorful October days have turned toward winter, one must look back to the foggy days of August.

Update October 2020:   The Haunted Factory is open every Friday and Saturday evenings during October – Halloween is Saturday, October 31. Doors open at 7pm and close at 11pm.  Admission is $10.00.  For more information click here. Halloween in West Jefferson, NC.

West Jefferson's Marble Statue - A Work of Art Standing proudly at the corner of West Main Street and 2nd Avenue in downtown West Jefferson, the Pocahontas Statue is beloved by Ashe County citizens.  The history behind this statue may be more than what meets the eye, and the Pocahontas Statue in West Jefferson has a twin over 600 miles to the north. The statue originally commissioned in the early 1930s was to be a major piece for the Geneva Central Council in upstate New York.  Original funding for the project came from Works Progress Administration.