Riceville, the rural community that lies in the westernmost part of our beautiful Swannanoa Valley, has a rich and very colorful history. The community is named for Joseph Marion Rice, one of the earliest settlers in Buncombe County. Rice fought in the Revolutionary War, and then settled in the Riceville Valley to farm, hunt and trap. He also operated a stock stand where drovers rested their livestock on the journey from farm to market.
At one time, Riceville boasted its own post office, a grist mill, and a number of stores and other businesses. Many of the historic structures and homes are still standing.