Swain County
… was formed in 1871 from Jackson and Macon Counties. Located in the SW section of the state, it is bounded by the state of Tennessee and by Graham, Cherokee, Macon, Jackson, and Haywood Counties. It was named for David L. Swain (1801-68), governor of the state and president of the University of North Carolina. Area: 544 sq. mi. County seat: Bryson City, with an elevation of 1,736 ft. Townships are Charleston, Forneys Creek, and Nantahala. The Qualla Boundary of the Cherokee Indians, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala National Forest, and Fontana Lake occupy much of Swain County. Produces corn, poultry, livestock, furniture, textiles, apparel, leather goods, gaming proceeds, hay, candy, crushed stone, and feldspar.
