Mount Gilead Downtown Historic District
Main St. from First Ave. to 106 and 117 S. Main St., and the 100 blks of West Allenton St., Mt. Gilead, NC Local significance of the district: Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
About National Register Listings
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 city of Durham, North Carolina, is home to the world-renowned Duke University and Duke Medical Center, as well as several other prestigious colleges and universities.
About Montgomery County
Montgomery County Timeline
Montgomery County, located in the southern Piedmont region of North Carolina, has a rich and varied history that stretches back to the pre-colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cheraw and the Tuscarora. European settlers arrived in the mid-18th century and established small farms and plantations, primarily focusing on tobacco cultivation. The county itself was formed in 1779 and named after General Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
During the Revolutionary War, the residents of Montgomery County played an active role in the fight for American independence. The Battle of Clapp's Mill, fought in 1781, was an important skirmish between Patriot and Loyalist forces. The county also served as a refuge for Tories fleeing from Patriot-held areas.
In the 19th century, Montgomery County's economy shifted away from tobacco and towards agriculture, particularly cotton. The advent of the railroad in the mid-19th century further spurred economic growth, as the county became a hub for transporting goods and connecting with neighboring areas. The town of Troy, established in 1846, emerged as the county seat and played a key role in the county's development.
By the early 20th century, Montgomery County experienced a decline in agriculture due to factors such as the boll weevil infestation and the Great Depression. However, the county adapted and diversified its economy by focusing on industries such as textiles and furniture manufacturing. Today, Montgomery County continues to embrace its agricultural heritage while also seeking to attract new industries and promote tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
During the Revolutionary War, the residents of Montgomery County played an active role in the fight for American independence. The Battle of Clapp's Mill, fought in 1781, was an important skirmish between Patriot and Loyalist forces. The county also served as a refuge for Tories fleeing from Patriot-held areas.
In the 19th century, Montgomery County's economy shifted away from tobacco and towards agriculture, particularly cotton. The advent of the railroad in the mid-19th century further spurred economic growth, as the county became a hub for transporting goods and connecting with neighboring areas. The town of Troy, established in 1846, emerged as the county seat and played a key role in the county's development.
By the early 20th century, Montgomery County experienced a decline in agriculture due to factors such as the boll weevil infestation and the Great Depression. However, the county adapted and diversified its economy by focusing on industries such as textiles and furniture manufacturing. Today, Montgomery County continues to embrace its agricultural heritage while also seeking to attract new industries and promote tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
Montgomery County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Montgomery County, North Carolina.
- 1749: Montgomery County is formed from Anson County, named after General Richard Montgomery.
- 1776: During the American Revolutionary War, local militia from Montgomery County fight in the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge.
- 1779: Bethabara Presbyterian Church, the oldest church in the county, is established.
- 1831: Mount Gilead is established as the county seat.
- 1832: Montgomery County's first courthouse is built.
- 1846: Troy is incorporated as a town.
- 1852: A fire destroys the original courthouse, leading to the construction of a new one.
- 1855: The Montgomery Female Academy, later known as Mount Gilead Female Seminary, is established.
- 1861-1865: Montgomery County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
- 1907: The Montgomery County Courthouse is destroyed by a fire.
- 1908: A new courthouse is built in Troy.
- 1942: Camp Mackall is established as an Army training center during World War II.
- 1960s: Montgomery County experiences a population decline due to changes in agriculture and the local economy.
- 2007: MontgomeçMqry County Historical Society opens a new museum showcasing the county's history.