Your online resource for the Smoky Mountains
A vibrant cross between a classic mountain resort town and charming small-town Americana, Waynesville serves as the official county seat and largest town in Haywood County. Nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, its lively historic downtown features local boutiques, craft breweries, farm-to-table dining, and art galleries—making it an ideal destination for a weekend stay or a day trip from nearby Asheville.
Founding: Founded in 1810 by Revolutionary War veteran Colonel Robert Love, who donated the land for the courthouse, jail, and town square. He named the town after his commanding officer, General "Mad" Anthony Wayne.
The Railroad Boom: Waynesville experienced rapid growth after the arrival of the Western North Carolina Railroad in 1881. The train brought tourism, agriculture, and lumber trade, giving rise to historic districts like Frog Level along Richland Creek.
Civil War Significance: Waynesville holds a unique place in American history as the site of one of the final skirmishes and surrenders of the Civil War east of the Mississippi River in May 1865.
Explore top neighborhoods, district hubs, and surrounding natural gateways in Waynesville: