[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 147 (Friday, November 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE TOWN OF HAYESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

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                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2012

  Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the town of 
Hayesville, located in Clay County North Carolina surrounded by 
mountains and views of the Hiawassee River, Tusquittee Bald, Nantahala 
Forest and other picturesque scenery of Western North Carolina.
  Hayesville has been the active center of Clay County since it was 
established in the 1800s. In 1860 George Hayes ran for a seat in the 
North Carolina House of Commons on a platform for creating a new county 
from the neighboring boundaries of Cherokee and Macon Counties. After 
his election, Rep. Hayes introduced a bill in February 1861 to 
establish Clay County and later received recognition for his efforts 
when Hayesville was named in his honor.
  Small communities flourished as more settlers moved into the hills 
and valleys along streams and rivers of Clay County. The County 
Courthouse was constructed in 1888 on a knoll overlooking scenic 
mountain valleys as a center of commerce surrounded by a bank, hotel, 
churches, Tiger's Store and other merchants that formed a village 
square and the only town in Clay County. Finally in March of 1913, 
fifty years after the county was established, Hayesville was officially 
recognized as an ``incorporated town'' and County Seat of Clay County.
  Hayesville continued to be the central mark of the county as roads 
were built and neighboring farmers would let others know they were 
making a trip to town and offered to bring back supplies. Eventually 
the population grew and Hayesville became a flourishing small town 
reflecting North Carolina mountain culture, hometown values and rural 
area accomplishments with Appalachian and Americana flavor that 
continues today.
  The historic Courthouse Square is still the center of activity and a 
special public gathering will be held in March 2013 at Town Hall in 
celebration of the 100th anniversary of the designation of the town of 
Hayesville as the County Seat of Clay County. Mr. Speaker, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in Hayesville's Centennial recognition and 
contributions to our national heritage and the great state of North 
Carolina.

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