Jackson County celebrated its past with the people that contributed to the present and the hope for the future with plenty of cakes, good music, fun and fellowship between hundreds of guests and community members. On Saturday, Sept. 12, from 4 to 8 p.m., the brand-new Whittier Heritage grounds were bustling with people gathered to celebrate 175 years of Jackson County History. The festivity hosted bouncy houses for children, food trucks, live music and a fireworks show later in the evening.
“It’s all about the people,” said Bill Davis, Jackson County Public Information Officer, explaining the importance of the celebration to county residents. Jackson County was founded in 1851 from two separate counties, Haywood and Macon County. Davis explains that the Great Depression challenged the two counties, and residents came together to support one another. The resilience of the community is still seen today and is part of the reason for celebrating on Saturday night.
Residents had the opportunity to take a historic train ride from Dillsboro to Whittier for the price of $18.51. The price represented the year Jackson County was founded, and proceeds benefited Hometown Heroes for the Hope charity.
Whittier Heritage grounds had it’s first big event for the 175th birthday of Jackson County. Photo by Lauren Hutzler. 
A history panel of important people in the history of Jackson County. Photo by Lauren Hutzler. 
Visitors had a chance to see some historic images of the county during the 175th birthday celebration on Sept. 12. Photo by Lauren Hutzler. 
Members of the county oldest church baked birthday cakes…lots of it . The table was around 60 feet long by WCJ estimates. Photo by Lauren Hutzler. 
Young visitors enjoyed the 175th birthday party on Sept. 12. Photo by Lauren Hutzler. 
Members of the Old Savannah Baptist Church sang for the audience during the 175th celebration of the county. Photo by WHEE TV crew. 
Smoky Mountain High School Honor Guard during the Pledge of Allegiance. Photo by WHEE TV crew. 
Several organizations also contributed to the celebration, including the Jackson County Genealogical Society, the County Sheriff’s Office, the Chamber of Commerce, Qualla Fire Department, Smoky Mountain High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, and others. Old Savannah Baptist Church, which took the title of the oldest church in the county, provided homemade cake to guests as their way of honoring the county’s birthday. Many foundations of the community were also recognized, including the oldest resident, the oldest business, the oldest veteran and the oldest civic club.
Bill Crawford, a founding member of the County’s Genealogical Society, was also recognized at the event as a surprise guest of honor. Crawford, at 91 years old, is a lifetime resident of Jackson County and is a fountain of knowledge about the history of the area. In a recent interview, Crawford said he believes that people are more important than things. His love for the community is shown when he speaks about Jackson County.
“Go talk to your neighbors. Look them in the eye. Ask them if there’s anything you can do for them,” Crawford said.
And Crawford shares his love of Jackson County with many residents, including singer Summer Brooke.
Summer Brooke, a Jackson County native who performed at the party, expressed that her hometown is her “whole entire world.” She appeared on “America’s Got Talent” and still could never imagine leaving the Appalachian Mountains.
“I want to rush back home every time I leave,” Brooke said.
