Nestled in the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains, Haywood County has a rich, distinct history that has been continually shaped by a variety of factors and factions. Today, Haywood County offers not only unforgettable mountain vistas and a fascinating history, but is also known for its thriving arts community and various cultural organizations. Haywood County: A Brief History guides readers through the many towns contained within Haywood County's borders, and shines a particularly insightful light on Waynesville and its transition from past to present. Writing for historians and the general reader alike, Janet Threlkeld Webb offers a brief but extremely informative account of a precious mountain county in historic western North Carolina.