It’s “Cash-ers,” Not “Cashiers”

But we don’t blame you for not knowing. Perhaps you have just read the Wall Street Journal piece about it, or maye you are looking to fill a couple of extrovert hours out on the town, away from the quiet bliss of Big Ridge. Whatever your case may be, Cashiers is certainly more than a town on the way out of town.

Cashiers was first home to the Cherokee people as far back 10,000 BC. By the 1830s, families like the Zacharys arrived to homestead the valley, and by 1839 the community had a post office, store, sawmill, and growing hub of activity. The name “Cashiers” likely stemmed from the Zachary family’s role handling money and gold for early miners and traders. Throughout the 19th century, the town saw a brief flicker of gold prospecting followed by a robust logging industry that shaped its early economy and attracted more settlers.

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Cashiers shifted from a working frontier community to a seasonal retreat as families from the South built summer estates to escape the heat. Iconic destinations such as the High Hampton Resort helped cement its reputation as a refined mountain haven. Today, with preserved landmarks like the Zachary-Tolbert House and active efforts by the Cashiers Historical Society, the town blends its pioneer roots with a more modern identity as a scenic, upscale mountain destination.

These days, Cashiers boasts all kinds of outdoor attractions like Whiteside Mountain, Panthertown Valley, and countless waterfalls. If outdoor adventure and history aren’t really your thing, there are plenty of local boutiques and vintage shops, as well as farm-to-table dining options. Check out some of our favorite restaurants on the plateau here.