Hendersonville was a rich, rolling uninhabited Cherokee hunting ground before Revolutionary war soldier William Mills "discovered" it in the late 1780s. He received one of the first land grants west of the Blue Ridge and established it to later become the thriving community it is today.

Mills, by right of discovery, was allowed to christen some of Henderson County’s picturesque regions: Bearwallow, Sugar Loaf, Bald Top, Mills River, and Mills Gap are names that remain today.

The county was named for Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court, Judge Leonard Henderson. In the 1840s, Hendersonville received its original charter and had a population of several hundred residents. Henderson is considered a "typical" mountain county because it is comprised of mountain ranges, isolated peaks, a rolling plateau, and level valley areas. Elevations range from 1,400 feet near Bat Cave at the foot of the Blue Ridge, to 5,000 feet on Little Pisgah.

Originally, agriculture was the sole producer of revenue for Henderson county citizens. Tourism later added to the economy.

Having easy access from the lowlands, Hendersonville became a vacation spot for people to spend the summer because of the area’s invigorating climate. Industrial development became an important aspect of economy after World War II, with the founding of the Chamber of Commerce program. As a result, the economic base today is manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and retirement development. Henderson County has long been known for its thriving apple orchards and leads the state in apple production as orchards, continue to spread up and down the hillsides.

Communities within Henderson County have played a large role in the success of the area. Flat Rock, with its wealthy settlers, formed a continuous and ever-renewing link between the mountain natives and the world of business and ideas. Today, Kenmure is one of the most exclusive golf communities in the area. Fletcher is known for the beautiful Calvary Episcopal Church, the "Westminster Abbey of the South," and has memorials to many historic figures.

There are many colorful community names throughout Henderson County named for land appearance as well as founders and settlers of the region. Others are of Indian origin. Zirconia, Horse Shoe, Etowah, Tuxedo and Bearwallow are but a sample. For detailed information about the history of Henderson County, contact the Henderson County Public Library.