Waynesville, North Carolina, is a small, vibrant town in western North Carolina and is the county seat of Haywood County. Located within the Appalachian Mountain chains and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Waynesville draws many visitors each year to witness the mountain views and enjoy the nearby national forests. The town, which is the largest one in North Carolina west of Asheville, has a population of just under 10,000. It was founded by Colonel Robert Love, an American Revolutionary War soldier who donated the land for a courthouse, jail, and public square. He named the town after his commander, General “Mad’ Anthony Wayne. Photo of Haywood County Courthouse, and photo of First Baptist Church courtesy of Wikipedia and Warren LeMay (public domain). |