Burnsville

… town and county seat, central Yancey County. Alt. 2,817. Est. 1833 at the creation of the county. Named for Otway Burns (1775-1850), privateer of the War of 1812 and later member of the General Assembly. Although he was an easterner, he supported the political ambitions of the westerners around the time Yancey County was created. Burnsville was chartered in 1857 but repealed in 1921; rechartered 1922. Produces hosiery, carpets, textiles, and minerals.