Prehistory to 1860

This is a survey of Henderson County history and heritage from prehistory to the Civil War.

The course is taught the first half of each semester at Blue Ridge Community College. The instructor, Jennie Jones Giles, is the author of articles, research summaries and other information on this web site.

Topics include geography and natural resources, early exploration, Cherokee and other American Indian history and culture as it relates to Henderson County, treaties with the Cherokee, the Revolutionary War in the region, early settlers and backgrounds, Appalachian culture, political and economic history, agriculture, paths to roads, religious history, education, early communities, and slavery.

Upon completion, students should be able to analyze significant socioeconomic, cultural and political developments in the early history of Henderson County.

Click on the links below for timelines, articles, lesson summaries and other information on the history and heritage of Henderson County from prehistory to 1860.

Timelines

History and Heritage to 1860