Bringing the Past into the Present for the Future
Please Join us
Who We Are
The Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society promotes the genealogy and history of the people of Swain County and Western North Carolina.
Activities
Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM. Each meeting features a program related to genealogy and/or historical information followed by refreshments and a social time. Meetings are held at the Swain County Business and Education Training Center. The meetings are open to the public.
Monthly Meeting
Reinforcing our Commitment
Library
Genealogy Library for Research
History of Swain County
Swain County was formed in 1971 from Jackson and Macon Counties. The first election was held in 1872 with around 350 votes cast. The county seat was named Charleston until 1889 when the name was changed to Bryson City after Colonel Thaddeus Dillard Bryson. Colonel Bryson (1829-1890) was the first one to represent Swain County in the State Legislature. The first Post Office was in the corner of D.K. Collins' store with Mr. Colins serving as Postmaster.
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does"