Both communities are known for their quality schools. The Cherokee County Schools District currently includes four elementary schools, three elementary/middle schools, two middle schools and three high schools.

The Tri-County Community College has campuses in both Andrews and Murphy. Just a short drive east of Murphy will bring you to the John C. Campbell Folk School. This special institution sits on 380 acres in a rolling valley and surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings. Here visitors and residents can participate and experience a special blend of history and art classes and programs for all ages.

Cherokee County has three public lakes - Hiwassee Lake with 163 miles of shoreline, Apalachia Lake, which is surrounded by US Forest Service land and has limited access; and Cherokee Lake, which has an easily accessible fishing pier. Fishing, boating and swimming are available at these locations. The Southern Highroads, a 364-mile circular trail that extends through four states - Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, runs right through the town of Murphy. This trail encompasses 13 counties and four national forests and allows the traveler to experience first hand the charm and uniqueness of the communities and natural surroundings.

White water rafting on one of the area many rivers is another popular attraction. Cherokee County alone has an estimated 8,700 acres of clear lake water available for rafting, fishing, water skiing, boating, and swimming. For the avid golfer, there are five professional golf courses in the area.

Both of these communities have rich histories and are home to many National Historical Landmarks. Murphy began as an Indian trading post called Huntersville, then Huntington and finally was named after Archibald D. Murphey, who was a state senator and an advocate of education in Western North Carolina. The history of Andrews is related to the Richmond and Danville Railroad, which was completed in the town in 1890. Andrews was named in honor of the railroad's second vice president, Colonel A.B. Andrews.

Cherokee County's heritage is linked hand-in-hand with the large population of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, which at one time called the area home. Located in the westernmost tip of North Carolina, Cherokee County was named for the Cherokee Nation which in 1715 had a domain of 40,000 square miles with an estimated population of 11,210; 4,000 warriors and 53 towns. In North Carolina, the tribe's principal towns were situated on the waters of the Hiwassee and Tuckasegee rivers.

Beautiful natural surroundings, small town charm, an abundance of recreational activities are just some of the many reasons to call Murphy and Andrews home.

 

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