The scenic and fertile Etowah and Horse Shoe communities are nestled side-by-side in western Henderson County. Surrounded by mountains, horses and cattle graze in its green pastures, and vegetables and trees grow in its fields and nurseries. The French Broad River runs directly through the center of Horse Shoe offering fishing, kayaking and canoeing, and tubing.

Horse Shoe was named for a nearby curve in the French Broad River. Etowah, originally named “Money,” was given its new name in 1898 by Margaret Steward Gash, wife of train station agent Joseph Gash. Margaret named it after the Etowah River, which flowed near her Georgia hometown. Etowah is a Muskogean (Creek) word derived from italwa, meaning town.

Etowah and Horse Shoe offer a peaceful, pastoral setting while being just a short drive from the larger cities of Hendersonville, Brevard, and Asheville.

Community Resources

Find out more about the history and future plans for Etowah/Horse Shoe by clicking the links below. For more information about our beautiful region, visit Area Highlights.

Etowah/Horse Shoe Community Plan                                                     

Etowah NC Heritage