Valle Crucis, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Valle Crucis
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 Valle Crucis, North Carolina
Location in North Carolina
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Watauga County |
| Founded | 1842 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.46 sq mi (11.55 km2) |
| • Land | 4.44 sq mi (11.49 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.06 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,858 ft (871 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 436 |
| • Density | 98.29/sq mi (37.95/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
28691
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| Area code(s) | 828 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2584333 |
| Website | www.vallecrucis.com |
Valle Crucis is a small, special community in Watauga County, North Carolina, United States. The name "Valle Crucis" comes from Latin and means "Valley of the Cross." This name was chosen because three streams in the area come together to form a shape that looks like a cross. You can find Valle Crucis along NC 194, right between the towns of Banner Elk and Boone.
Contents
History of Valle Crucis
Before the 1840s, only a few people lived in this area. But things changed when the Valle Crucis Episcopal Mission was started. This mission was founded in 1842 by Levi Silliman Ives, an Episcopal missionary.
The First Church
The first Episcopal church in the area was called "Easter Chapel." Later, a new church, the Holy Cross Episcopal Church, was built in 1926. This church was designed to look like an old monastery in Wales. Its unique architecture makes it very special.
Geography and Weather
Valle Crucis is located near the banks of Dutch Creek and the Watauga River. It sits about 2,677 feet (816 meters) above sea level. To the north and east, you'll see Tester Mountain. To the south and west, there's Valle Mountain.
Natural Surroundings
A part of the Pisgah National Forest surrounds the community. This means that some new buildings and developments are limited, helping to keep the area natural and beautiful.
Climate and Snowfall
The weather in Valle Crucis changes with the seasons. Summers are usually warm during the day and cool at night. Winters can be cold, sometimes very cold. The area gets about 43 inches (1,092 mm) of rain each year. Big storms are not common here.
Snow falls in the winter, usually between December and April. On average, Valle Crucis gets about 42 inches (1,067 mm) of snow every year.
Flooding in the Valley
Because the main part of Valle Crucis is lower and flatter than the mountains around it, it can sometimes flood. This means that parts of the town, like the stores, the elementary school, and the community park, can get wet. Flooding is not super rare and can sometimes make it hard to get around, like when the bridge on DeWitt Barnett Road floods.
Things to See and Do
Valle Crucis has several interesting places to visit.
Mast General Store
One of the most famous spots is the original Mast General Store. This historic store has been around for a long time and is a popular attraction.
Historic Sites
Other important places in the community include the Mast Farm, the Valle Crucis Episcopal Mission, and the Valle Crucis Historic District. All these places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means they are important historical sites.
Valle Crucis Community Park
The Valle Crucis Community Park is a large park that opened in 1983. A special non-profit group helps run it. The park has many fun things to do, like picnic areas and playgrounds for kids. There's also a 1-mile (1.6 km) paved path perfect for walking or biking. You can also get to the Watauga River from the park, which is great for wading or fly-fishing.
See also
In Spanish: Valle Crucis (Carolina del Norte) para niños
