The commission purchased 50 acres (200,000 m2) of land to form the town of Jeffersonton, later named Jefferson.

It is one of the first towns in the nation to bear the name of Thomas Jefferson, who was the vice president of the United States in 1799.

[6] The Ashe County Courthouse and Poe Fish Weir are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Due to its high elevation, Jefferson has a subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cfb).

During the winter, the town often experiences snow and cold temperatures akin to the northeastern United States.

During the summer, Jefferson experiences cooler temperatures and lower humidity than areas to its east and south.