Named for the mountain range that towers over the town, Black Mountain became a haven for pioneers in the world of art, painting, music, poetry and architectural design during the mid-twentieth century.

The Town of Black Mountain was founded in 1893. It was named for the Black Mountain range of mountains that border the Town to the north. At the time of incorporation, the Town of Black Mountain had become a major pathway for westbound immigrants, commercial trade, and the mountain railroad.