Watauga County in northwestern North Carolina has a land area of 321 square miles and
adjoins Tennessee. Elevations here range from 2,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level.
Boone, the county seat, has an area of about 4 square miles and an average altitude
of 3,333 feet. Boone is a comfortable drive from I-77, I-81 and I-40 and is served by
four major highways that intersect in Boone, US 421, US 321, US 221 and NC 105.
Climate/Weather
Boone’s climate is temperate with comfortable summers, dazzling autumn colors, a skier’s
paradise come winter and crisp, green springtimes. The information reported here are
approximations. Our website features accurate weather data and the most reliable
forecasts all year-round: www.boonechamber.com.
History
Historians note that this area was originally explored in 1752 by Bishop August
Gottlieb Spangenberg of Pennsylvania, who was seeking land in the “back country”
of North Carolina for Moravian colonists to settle.
Although the Cherokee had hunted seasonally in this region, the first permanent settlers
came from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New England. Jordan Council established a store
in what is now downtown Boone.
Watauga County was formed in 1849, and the Town of Boone, which was incorporated in 1872,
was named for the legendary Daniel Boone, who first explored and hunted in the region during
the 1760s.
Licenses
Vehicles
NC License Plate Agency- is located at 835 W. King St. Boone; phone: (828) 268-2315.
Vehicle registration and license tags must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a North Carolina resident.
Driver’s License
NC Driver’s License Office: Mutton Crossing, 4469 Bamboo Rd., 265-5384.
Requirements: Must be obtained within 60 days of North Carolina residency, written exam, vision test, proof of insurance, license from former residence, road test for new drivers. Fee is $10-20.
Marriage License
Watauga County Register of Deeds, Watauga County Courthouse, 842 W. King St., Boone, 265-8052.
Requirements: Birth certificate, Social Security card and driver’s license, if under 21; parental permission if under 18; two witnesses at proceedings; documentation if recently divorced. Fee is $50.
Pet License
Watauga County Courthouse, 814 W. King St., Boone. Tax Collections, 265-8036.
Dogs in Watauga County should be licensed annually. Cost is $2 per animal.
