Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce, Columbus, Tryon & Saluda NC and Landrum SC

828-859-6236

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The History of Polk County, N.C.

January 3, 2012 By the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce

By 1540, some 47 years after Columbus discovered the New World; Hernando DeSoto had arrived in the mountain country, probably here in Polk County, where he found the Cherokee Tribe already in an advanced state of civilization. The Indians lived in substantially built log houses. Though accomplished hunters, they subsisted chiefly by their knowledge of agriculture. They raised corn, pumpkins, and beans.

The area was a fine place in which to live, as the first white settlers quickly learned. Several decades before the Revolution a sprinkling of families had set down their roots in the mountain coves in the midst of the Cherokee hunting lands. By 1768 traders were already traveling up the old Blackstock Road from Charleston to bargain for furs and hides. The proximity of the two civilizations resulted in many clashes and much bloodshed. The conflicts became so numerous that the Royal Governor, William Tryon, himself journeyed west from the colonial capital to parley with the Cherokees and negotiate a boundary line.

The new line agreed upon extended from a point near Greenville in South Carolina to the highest peak on White Oak Mountain. When the treaty had been signed, Governor Tryon was flattered to learn that the settlers had named the highest place on White Oak—Tryon Peak.

Determination of the boundary, however, failed to insure safety for the pioneers to the east or for Indians to the west. Many vicious raids continued despite the establishment of forts. One of the heroes of the time was the Indian, Skyuka.

As its population slowly increased, the area became a favorite stopping place for drovers transporting livestock from Kentucky and Tennessee to seaboard harbors. With political independence, towns gradually emerged.

Polk, named to honor the Revolutionary War hero, Colonel William Polk, did not achieve county status until 1855. Columbus, the county seat, was named for Dr. Columbus Mills of Mill Spring. One of his ancestors, Colonel Ambrose Mills, was a Loyalist who was hanged by Patriots after his capture at the Battle of Kings Mountain. An imposing courthouse, built of handmade brick in 1855 distinguishes the Town of Columbus. The ancient slave block still remains on the courthouse lawn.

Tryon is the largest city in the area and is most unusual in the versatility of its residents. Half the population has migrated from other parts of the country to enjoy the mild climate and beauty of the surrounding countryside. The transplanted residents are chiefly writers, artists, educators, professional people and industrial executives who are fascinated with the tranquility of the community life and who contribute so greatly to the social advantages of the city. The Hunting Country abounds in large estates and stables to make an equestrian paradise. There are hundreds of miles of marked riding trails. The fox hunts, horse shows, and steeplechase are well known throughout the country.

Saluda, on the county’s western border, has long enjoyed fame as a vacation area and place of retirement. Many of the Low Country people seek its pleasant summer climate as well as the sheer beauty of its mountain setting. Saluda is noted for its fine apple orchards, which constitute the main source of farm income.

Other communities such as Mill Spring, Sunny View and Green Creek have retained the charm of the Old South. The local roads are all good and provide easy access. An interstate highway, extending from Charleston to Asheville, provides convenient egress from the outside world.

The mountain slopes of the region experience a climatic phenomenon known as the Thermal Belt. This is due to a temperature inversion, which results in a belt, rather indefinite in width, wherein the frosts of the valley – or the freezes of the higher altitudes – do not occur. Botanically, the area is rich in native flora.

Lakes Adger and Lanier provide aquatic sports and fishing. Some of the clear, cold mountain streams offer good trout fishing in season. Golf, riding and hiking attract devotees who need not wait appropriate seasons for such outdoor activities.

The inborn courtesy of the native people makes even daily shopping chores a memorable experience with, “You all come back.”

Filed Under: Our Towns

CHAMBER EVENTS

Business After Hours Feb. 2023
February 16, 2023

Chamber Annual Awards Event
March 16, 2023

Business After Hours March 2023
March 23, 2023

Shuckin’ with the Chamber
March 25, 2023


View Chamber Calendar


CAROLINA FOOTHILLS EVENTS

Gardening for Life Celebration
March 4, 2023 1:00 PM


View Community Calendar

Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce Events

Business After Hours Feb. 2023

February 16, 2023
(5:30 PM-7:30 PM)

HOSTED BY:  FIRST CITIZENS BANK and HIGHER ACADEMIA

Please RSVP

Directions to

Higher Academia 1545 NC 108, Columbus

The premier networking events for business professionals.

  1. Gain more exposure for your business
  2. Network with other business persons in the area
  3. Discuss and share ideas
  4. Learn about and tour other local businesses
  5. Find contacts and resources that will benefit you and your business

This is your time to network and get out there in the community. Bring your business cards and even a door prize to promote your business even more.

There will be food and refreshments served.

Cost: Free

Location: Higher Academia 1545 NC 108, Columbus, NC

Contact: Chamber Office (828)-859-6236


Chamber Annual Awards Event

March 16, 2023
(11:30 AM-1:00 PM)

Come celebrate with us at The Hare and Hound as we honor some special people for their outstanding contributions to the Chamber and the Foothills communities in 2022. 

Space is limited, so please RSVP

Please help us select the best candidate for our 2022 Annual Awards event.

We are accepting nominations for 3 award winners:

  • Volunteer of the Year,
  • Business Owner(s) of the Year and
  • Citizen of the Year.

Please submit who you feel is worthy of an award and we will honor those individuals in March 2023.

 NOMINATIONS

Cost: $25 (must purchase in advance) No tickets sold at the door

Location: 101 East Rutherford Street, Landrum, SC

Contact: Chamber of Commerce (828)-859-6236


Business After Hours March 2023

March 23, 2023
(5:30 PM-7:30 PM)

HOSTED BY:   F.E.N.C.E. AND GOODTAINER

Please RSVP

Directions to

F.E.N.C.E.

3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC

The premier networking events for business professionals.

  1. Gain more exposure for your business
  2. Network with other business persons in the area
  3. Discuss and share ideas
  4. Learn about and tour other local businesses
  5. Find contacts and resources that will benefit you and your business

This is your time to network and get out there in the community. Bring your business cards and even a door prize to promote your business even more.

There will be food and refreshments served.

Cost: Free

Location: F.E.N.C.E. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon, NC 28782

Contact: Chamber Office (828)-859-6236


Carolina Foothills Community Events

Gardening for Life Celebration
March 4, 2023   1:00 PM

Visit First Peak for a community calendar of events in our area.

Or download another  Community Calendar

Saluda Outfitters Feb 2023 Music Schedule

Make plans!

Upcoming Events:

CHAMBER EVENTS

Business After Hours Feb. 2023
February 16, 2023

Chamber Annual Awards Event
March 16, 2023

Business After Hours March 2023
March 23, 2023

Shuckin’ with the Chamber
March 25, 2023

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Gardening for Life Celebration
March 4, 2023   1:00 PM

Our Communities

  • Polk County NC
  • Columbus NC
  • Landrum SC
  • Saluda NC
  • Tryon NC



Our Annual Sponsors

First Citizens Bank Forever First
Duke Energy
Alchemi Wealth Horizontal Logo B&G
Tryon Horse & Home Logo - Karl Small
Voisin Enterprises

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Carolina Foothills Chamber

2753 Lynn Road
Suite A
Tryon NC 28782 (Get Directions)
828-859-6236
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Fri - 10-2pm
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