The Town that “Little Mae Named” – The History of Sylva, NC

I wasn’t born here in Sylva, but I got here as fast as I could, and I’m not going anywhere. I love this mountain town, and I’d like to tell you how Sylva became one of the best-kept secrets in Western North Carolina. So, grab your hiking boots and a cold brew—preferably from one of our three local breweries—and join me as we take a stroll back in time.

Sylva’s story starts in the aftermath of the Civil War, when the town was little more than a timber camp full of lumberjacks and the smell of pine resin in the air. Imagine this: a ragtag group of men, axes in hand, carving their way through the wild Blue Ridge Mountains, cutting down trees with the same enthusiasm a squirrel shows when it finds a nut. These guys didn’t just chop wood—they built the foundation of a town that would one day become a vibrant hub for adventurers, nature lovers, and good ol' fashioned Southern charm.

Now, you might be wondering: how does a timber camp morph into the picturesque town we now know as Sylva? Well, in 1884, the Western North Carolina Railroad rolled into town—like a big iron snake, hissing and chugging its way through the mountains. This railway connection was more important than your favorite GPS app. It brought commerce, it brought folks, and more importantly, it brought the buzz of progress.

By 1889, Sylva had gone from a lumberyard to a full-fledged railroad town. But if you’ve ever wondered where the name “Sylva” came from, well, now we’re getting to the juicy part.

Local legend—and let’s be honest, this is the kind of tale best told on a porch swing with a mason jar in hand—says the town was named after a wandering handyman named William D. Sylva- Believed to be Danish. He showed up in the winter of 1879, stayed for about a month with General E.R. Hampton, and left such a fine impression that when it came time to apply for a post office—a requirement for any real town in those days—Hampton turned to his young daughter Mae and asked what they should name it.

Without skipping a beat, little Mae said, “Sylva.”

She liked the friendly handyman so much she thought he deserved a town. And just like that, with one innocent vote from a little girl and the approval of her father (who wisely knew not to argue with either his daughter or his wife), Sylva got its name—and its post office, officially established on August 6, 1880.

But here’s where it gets interesting. Modern historians have since done a little poking around—because what’s a good story without a twist?—and found that our charming Dane might not have been Danish at all. In fact, his last name wasn’t even “Sylva,” but likely “Selvey,” and he may have hailed not from Aalborg or Copenhagen, but from the nearby Little Canada community right here in Jackson County.

A 21st-century investigation suggests his letter to the town was probably written in Portuguese, not Danish (though we’ll grant him style points either way), and records indicate that his daughter’s maiden name was Selvey. One of his granddaughters even made a trip back to Sylva years ago and confirmed what the genealogical archives had been whispering all along: Grandpa’s name was spelled with an “e,” not a “y.” But by that time, the name had stuck. Whether by misunderstanding, affection, or sheer mountain magic, “Sylva” became the official name—and like any good Southern tale, the legend outgrew the facts and marched proudly on.

`

Of course, Sylva’s rise to fame didn’t stop with a name. In 1913, the town was named the county seat, taking the title from sleepy Webster. And just a year later, the Jackson County Courthouse was built—a stately white-columned beauty perched on a hill like a queen surveying her realm. Today, it serves as the county library and ranks among the most photographed courthouses in America. Folks have snapped more pictures of this courthouse than tourists have taken of Elvis’ front door. And frankly, we understand why.

And in case you're wondering about the county itself—yes, that Jackson. Jackson County is named after none other than President Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, a man known for his grit, his stubbornness, and his face on the $20 bill. We like to think some of that wild spirit still lingers in the mountain air.

But let’s not get bogged down in all that dusty history. Let’s talk about why people flock here today. Sylva is one of the most sought-after mountain playgrounds in North Carolina, and it’s no mystery why. If you like your mountains wild, your water cold, and your beer locally brewed, Sylva’s got you covered. The town is nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Great Smoky Mountains, offering some of the best hiking, kayaking, rafting, and mountain biking you’ll find east of the Mississippi. There’s something about being wrapped in these mountains like a blanket of love—it's as if the land itself is giving you a great big hug and whispering, “Welcome home.”

And yes—those three local breweries? They’re the stuff of legend. Whether you’re sipping on a hoppy IPA, a rich porter, or something brewed with mountain spring water and magic, you’ll find the kind of community where the only thing warmer than the firepit is the welcome.

Hungry? You’re in luck. Sylva is home to some of the best food in the region, from upscale farm-to-table dining to downhome Appalachian comfort food that tastes like your grandma came back just to feed you right. Whether you’re craving wood-fired pizza, craft tacos, buttery biscuits, or something with just the right amount of smoky sass, there’s a restaurant here with your name on it.

And when the sun starts to dip behind the ridgeline, the town doesn’t go quiet—it starts to hum. Music spills from porches, patios, and local stages as bluegrass fiddles, mountain banjos, and Americana guitars pick up where the birds left off. Sylva is deeply rooted in Appalachian tradition, and the mountain music here is the real deal—raw, foot-stomping, heart-thumping soundtracks to evenings you’ll never forget.

Add to that a vibrant little downtown full of unique shops, galleries, indie bookstores, and friendly faces, and you’ve got a town that manages to stay on the edge of adventure while still keeping both feet planted in small-town charm.

And if you fly fish, well—you might want to go ahead and forward your mail. Sylva is part of Jackson County, officially recognized as the Trout Capital of North Carolina. Some even call it the Fly Fishing Capital of the South. The Tuckasegee River slices right through the heart of Sylva like a silvery ribbon, teeming with trout and adventure. Around here, we don’t just catch fish—we tell great stories about the ones that got away. As I like to say like to say with a grin, “I didn’t just move here for the mountains—I moved here because the fish never stop biting.”

It’s easy to see why Sylva is becoming one of the best spots in North Carolina to call home. But here’s the kicker: if you like what you see and feel that call of the wild, why not make Sylva your home? I’ve had the pleasure of helping many others do just that, and I’d love to help you find your next chapter in this storybook village.

So, if you’re ready to stop reading about it and start living it, allow me to help you find your place in the mountains. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin, a charming bungalow, or just a slice of mountain paradise, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. We Move Mountains!