"Because people make history, our citizens show an intense interest in the events of the past and are displaying an eagerness more than ever in local history;  too, they have become eagerly interested in genealogy.  All mountaineers enjoy a good anecdote.  The people of Avery County are not all descendants of pioneers who came into this rugged land a good many generations ago, but we are proud of those and their descendants who can trace their ancestry to the four points of the compass...  As a rule, our families are close-knit units and family pride exists no higher on earth than here.  No stronger love for America and the American flag can be found anywhere in our country.  We are proud of our inheritance, which for our rugged pioneer ancestors and several generations meant hardship, often disappointing toil, loneliness, self-sufficiency and a struggle for survival."     - Horton Cooper -