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 The first court was ordered to be held at the home of George Council, at which time justices of the peace were to decide upon a place for the future courts until the courthouse was erected. Commissioners were named to select a site for a county seat "which site shall be between Reuben Bartley's and a point one-half mile west of Willie McGee's east and west direction, and between John Pennell's and Howard's Knob north and south direction." They were to acquire the land and lay out a town and erect the public buildings. In 1851 a superior court was established for Watauga, and it directed that court was to be held in the courthouse at Boone.1
Watauga was named for the Watauga River, which name came from an Indian word meaning "beautiful water." Boone, the county seat, was in honor of Daniel Boone.1
At the beginning of the 20th century Watauga was still rural. Agriculture was the main economic source. Change began in the second decade of the century with an invasion of the automobile and the shift from the farming to employment in cities. During the Great Depression cash disappeared and farm prices dropped. Boone developed into the largest town by 1930; the population totaled 1,295. World War II impacted almost all mountain families, and the end of the conflict brought rapid change as the veterans returned home. Appalachian State Teachers College began expanding, and Grandfather Mountain was developed. The first ski slopes opened in the 1960's. This extended the tourist season to include the winter months, expanded the economy, and increased the population. In 1972, the Appalachian State Teachers College became Appalachian State University, part of the UNC system. Today Watauga County is concerned about preserving clean water, preventing acid rain, and keeping development from destroying the nature of the mountain scenery.2
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