Murphy, NC, located at the confluence of the Hiwassee River and Valley River, and is the westernmost town in North Carolina and is the county seat of Cherokee County in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. With its origin dating back to 1835, Murphy’s economic and industrial base has a long and varied past.
Cherokee County, and the surrounding area, was home to the Cherokee Indian Nation. In 1836, during the Cherokee removal known as the Trail of Tears, the United States army built Fort Butler in what is today Murphy. Fort Butler acted as the main collection point for Cherokee east of the mountains. The "Trail of Tears" followed a pathway out of town that is now Lakeside Drive.
Since its charter in 1839, Cherokee County has experienced economic and demographic change. Cherokee County’s population has grown from 3,000 in 1839 to approximately 25,000 today. While the city limits of Murphy have a mere 1,568 people, the entire area referred to as Murphy has 16,454 people who call the mountains home, making up a large percentage of the overall Cherokee County population.
Today, Cherokee County is a popular destination for tourists and mountain living is a popular choice for many retirees. Wideband data transmission is bringing new technology to the region, and the citizens of Cherokee County welcome entrepreneurs and new industries. About five years ago the Murphy community decided to develop a five-year strategy, part of which was to make the transition from the textile and furniture industries and focus more on the higher technical jobs that come from metal manufacturing.
Watch the NC Now Feature
An interview with Ms. Tipton