In July 25, 1900 the first post office opened in the area at a store owned by Charles M. Hayter and Otis Sifers. The store was located about 1 mile northwest of the mouth of the McClure River and the area was known locally only as "The Mouth of the McClure." But, the United States Post Office required that it have a real name before the application could be completed and so Charles and Otis put their heads, and their names, together and came up with Haysi. Nobody is quite sure why Charles Hayter got first billing, especially since Otis Sifers got there first, but then, Haysi does sound a lot better than Sifha.
As late as 1911 Haysi was still described as a laurel bed and logging, farming and moonshine were the only industries.
Things have changed a little since then, but we always seem to come back to the basics. For a number of years, coal mining became the major industry, not only for Haysi, but for most of Dickenson and Buchanan County. Most of the mines have closed down, and we've moved on as a community, mostly coming back to the basics of farming and logging.
As the gateway to the Breaks Interstate Park, Haysi's true beauty, the charm that makes it a special place, is the natural beauty that surrounds it. Come here and look around, and you'll be in awe of the rugged mountains, native wildlife, and the peaceful setting.
Haysi is also the home of the Dickenson County Fair. The fairgrounds are located near the Splashdam area of town, and and is held every year during the first week of August.
