How Burnsville came to BE

 

Otway Burns never traveled to Yancey County, yet his memory lives on. An Eastern NC seafarer who became a naval hero during the War of 1812, Burns turned to North
Carolina politics, believing that Western North Carolina should have the same representation as Eastern NC. He then cast the deciding vote allowing new western
counties, including Yancey County, to be established. Once created, John “Yellow
Jacket” Bailey donated the land, asking that the town be named for Captain Otway
Burns.

While Burns’ vote inspired the town’s name, Burnsville’s story is intricately intertwined with the gently sloping mountains, winding rivers and creeks, lush forests, and curious and resilient people who built their lives here. A large portion of these fertile lands were considered sacred by the Native Americans who once lived here. If you spend any time meandering our scenery-filled hills and valleys, you will understand why.