Macon County, NC borders Cherokee near Franklin metropolitan centre granting a 2020 estimated census population standing of 33,661 making it the 78th most populous county located hereabouts. Its county seat is Franklin with other cities include Highlands & Nantahala- Franklin itself equates out to Macon’s largest city aside from noted country seat. This area had been established from Haywood and Cherokee counties back in 1837 when local residents petitioned for new administrative boundaries - posthumously named after Nathaniel Macon American statesman who served as United States Senator During Era Thomas Jefferson .