Simplify the following text for a Grade 9 native English-speaking person.
Original: In 1861 , parts of Caldwell County , Burke County , McDowell County , Watauga County , and Yancey County were put together to make Mitchell County .
Simplified: In 1861 , parts of Caldwell County , Burke County , McDowell County , Watauga County , and Yancey County were combined to form Mitchell County .