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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Recurso educativo Open Access |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
1979
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED168747 |
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Table of Contents:
- A Profile of Ashe County, North Carolina. Rash, James O., Jr. And Others Agricultural Production Area Studies Community Attitudes Community Leaders Community Problems Community Services Demography Economic Development Employment Patterns Geography Industrialization Interviews Local History Migration Patterns Power Structure Quality of Life Road Construction Rural Economics Rural Population Topography Transportation From 1950 to 1970, the shift from agriculture to industry dominated Ashe County, North Carolina, isolated on the Blue Ridge by rugged terrain and severe weather. Rural farm population declined by 2/3 but rural non-farm population tripled. Many new industries helped shift the bulk of the work force to industry. In 1950, 45% of the work force farmed full time and only 17% had industrial jobs. By 1970 just 9% farmed full time; 54% were employed by industries. The main agricultural products shifted to feeder steers, tobacco, and Christmas trees, so the typical farm family could seek additional employment. Median family income increased but per capita income remained low. Attracting and supporting industry became the focus of optimistic leaders who in 1977 listed as priorities for the county: economic diversification; improvement of educational facilities and opportunities; improved roads; and improved health, social, and public services. Recent developments, such as the Ashe County airport, a new hospital, a new county library, and plans for an industrial park, reflected this goal. The enthusiastic leadership, no longer fiercely controlled by a few local families but rather by a more progressive mixture of business and government people, liked the attitudes and relationships of residents, the climate, and the quality of life in Ashe County. (SB)