The Banjo in Haywood County

This chapter explores the development of the prominence of the banjo in Haywood County. By the early 1800s, European Americans were beginning to learn to play the banjo from enslaved African Americans. This chapter explores the development of the prominence of the banjo in Haywood County. It includes sections about “Slavery in North Carolina,” “Slavery in Western North Carolina,” and “Early Settlers.” The importance and significance of mountaineer geographical and cultural “isolation” and its significance is emphasized. “Songcatchers” in the late 19th and early 20th century and the development of an “in-home folkway” are reviewed extensively. Finally, there are sections about Early Reports of The Banjo in Western North Carolina and in Haywood County. Late 19th and early 20th century developments in Haywood County and their effect on the banjo are reviewed. The importance of these developments on the dilution of the in-home folkway in the county is demonstrated.