Mountains, streams, and strong families are the characteristics of Bakersville and the small towns that surround it in northern Mitchell County. For much of human history, people lived in small, rural trade centers where they knew everyone and helped each other, and families were the most important part of life. Bakersville was no exception. Fast-forward to the 21st century, and such places have faded from view. There may be an empty store, post office, or school, but there is little else in evidence of the vitality and lives of earlier citizens. Kona, Clarissa, Hawk, Tipton Hill, Buladean, Ledger, Bandana, and others had few economic opportunities left. Tobacco farming dissolved, factories moved abroad, mines closed, and most of the World War II generation and its descendants left for the military, college, and greener pastures. With smaller populations, all those public places were consolidated with others. It is those who settled and remained that are honored here.