“Uncle Jack” had a VISION!

The history of the Smoky Mountains is rich and colorful. Each town, each region, has stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. Maggie Valley has its share of stories to tell. No matter how you tell the story of Maggie Valley it is a story worthy of telling.

In the EARLY 1900’s, John Sidney Setzer, who became known as “Uncle Jack” having settled in the Valley had the task of going to the Old Plott post office to get the mail for himself and the residents of the valley. This was a long and tedious task on horseback. Growing tired of the journey he decided that the valley needed its own post office. He took it on himself to write to the Postmaster General in Washington, D.C. to ask permission to open a post office in his home to service the residents of the valley.

The word came back from Washington that he would have to prove the need for a post office. He set about the task of keeping meticulous records of all the mail that came and went from the area for many months. He then submitted his records and four names for consideration. Three of those names were the names of his daughters.

Finally, the wait was over. Washington approved the application and chose daughter “Maggie” for the post office name. Thus, the “Maggie” post office was official and opened for business on May 10th, in the year 1904.

One man, determination, a vision, stayed the course of his dream. One man, made a difference for an entire community.

We are proud of  “Uncle Jack” and the legacy he left behind. His story is a true American story that can proudly be told to generations yet to come.

And the rest, for lack of a better phrase, is “HISTORY”.

Y’all come, you hear 🙂

Note: The story goes that a young Maggie wasn’t thrilled to have her name used. She eventually came around to it. She even helped her PA in the post office from time to time. She became a local celebrity of sorts. In the summer you might even see the official “Maggie” walking the streets of the Valley and waving at everyone who passes. Look for the yellow bonnet. Maggie died at the age of 88. We will always fondly remember her in the valley; after all, she is and will always be our official mascot.

Copywriter: “Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc.” – Please do not copy or reproduce without written permission from Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc.                                                                                              

AND for the inquiring minds… here is your July Market Report for Haywood County courtesy of our own Danny Pugh:  Local MARKET INSIGHTS for All Home Types as of July 31, 2014