National Register Listing

Loray Mill Historic District

Roughly bounded by W. Franklin Blvd., S. Vance and S. Trenton Sts., and W. 6th Ave. B, Gastonia, NC
Local significance of the district:
Social History; Industry; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The first English child born in the New World, Virginia Dare, was born in what is now Roanoke Island, North Carolina, in 1587.
North Carolina random facts
Gaston County, North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The land where Gaston County is located was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Cherokee peoples. European settlers began to arrive in the 1700s, and Gaston County was officially established in 1846.

During the 19th century, Gaston County experienced significant development and growth, largely due to its proximity to natural resources like cotton and the Catawba River. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s further bolstered the county's economy, leading to the establishment of textile mills and other industries. This era of industrialization transformed Gaston County into a thriving manufacturing hub.

Gaston County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many of its residents joining the Confederate forces. The blockade of southern ports during the war severely impacted the county's textile industry, but it recovered in the post-war years. The economy continued to diversify and expand throughout the 20th century, with the rise of new industries like furniture manufacturing and automotive parts production.

In recent years, Gaston County has focused on revitalizing its downtown areas and supporting economic development. The county continues to attract businesses and residents, with its affordable cost of living, scenic beauty, and diverse recreational opportunities. Today, Gaston County is a vibrant community with a mix of urban and rural areas, preserving its rich history while embracing progress and innovation.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Gaston County, North Carolina.

  • 1846 - Gaston County is established as a county in North Carolina.
  • 1861-1865 - Gaston County residents enlist to fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1874 - The Gastonia Gazette, the county's first newspaper, is published.
  • 1887 - Gaston County's first textile mill, the Loray Mill, begins operation.
  • 1905 - The city of Gastonia is incorporated.
  • 1929 - Gaston County experiences economic growth with the establishment of more textile mills.
  • 1937 - The Gastonia Strike takes place in response to poor working conditions in the textile industry.
  • 1960s - Integration and civil rights issues impact Gaston County.
  • 1992 - Gaston County's tourism industry expands with the opening of the U.S. National Whitewater Center.