Madison County

Madison County is a mountainous area in the Appalachian region covering roughly 451 square miles and marked by dense forests and the French Broad River. The river flows through Marshall and Hot Springs, forming a central natural feature of the landscape.

The county was established in 1851, formed from portions of Buncombe and Yancey Counties and named after James Madison, the fourth U.S. President. This creation was part of the regional expansion into western Appalachia during the 1800s.

The Long Ridge community near Mars Hill is home to one of the last Rosenwald Schools in Western North Carolina, standing as a reminder of African American educational history in the region. The building reflects how education shaped local communities decades ago.

The county operates a school system serving its residents through one early college, a traditional high school, a middle school, and three elementary schools spread across the area. The mountainous terrain means good hiking boots are helpful if you plan to explore the landscape.

Mars Hill University, founded in 1856, was the first higher education institution in western North Carolina and shaped the region's educational landscape. This institution remains an important anchor for the local community's growth and identity.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 1851

Capital city: Marshall

Shares border with: Greene County, Unicoi County, Yancey County, Buncombe County, Haywood County, Cocke County

Website: http://madisoncountync.org

GPS coordinates: 35.86000,-82.71000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:05