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BURNSVILLE, NC
"....From Wilson's it it fifteen miles to Burnsville.  It is a small country village, amid sublime surroundings.  From the high knoll, where stands the academy, a pleasant prospect can be obtained.  In the morning, as it opens over the rolling peaks in the east; or, as the sun descends behind the receding lines of purple ranges, the scenes presented in their glory of cloud-coloring, their brilliant effect of light and shade, and the soft, poetic splendor of the mountains, are of beauty too divine, and of duration too transient, to be caught by the painter." (1883, Zeigler, p. 122)

"They decided on reflection, to join company with the mail-rider, who was going to Burnsville by the shorter route [from Bakersville], and could pilot them over the dangerous ford of the Toe [river].  (1889, Warner, Charles. On Horseback, p. 70.)

"The country about Burnsville is not only mildly picturesque, but very pleasing.  Burnsville, the county seat of Yancey, at an elevation of 2,840 feet, is more like a New England village than any hitherto seen.  Most of the houses stand about a square, which contains the shabby courthouse; around it are two small churches, a jail, an inviting tavern with a long veranda, and a couple of stores.  On an overlooking hill is the seminary.  Mica mining is the exciting industry, but it is agriculturally a good country.  The tavern had recently been enlarged to meet the demands for entertainment, and is a roomy structure, fresh with paint and only partially organized.  The travellers were much impressed with the brilliant chambers, the floors which were painted in alternate stripes of vivid green and red....The elevation of Burnsville gives it a delightful summer climate, the gentle undulations of the hills are agreeable, the views noble, the air is good, and it is altogether a 'livable' and attractive place...." (1889, Warner, pp. 76-77)

"Sunday was a hot and quiet day.  The stores were closed and the two churches also, this not being the Sunday for the itinerant preacher.  The jail also showed no sign of life, and when we asked about it, we learned that it was empty, and had been for some time." (1889, Warner, Charles. On Horseback, p.79.)