Catawba County, North Carolina

Anthony, Abraham, Farm Balls Creek Campground Bandy Farms Historic District Bolick Historic District Bost-Burris House Bunker Hill Covered Bridge Catawba County Courthouse Catawba Historic District Claremont High School Historic District Claremont High School Historic District (Boundary Increase) Elliott-Carnegie Library First Presbyterian Church Foil-Cline House Frye, Dr. Glenn R., House Geitner, Clement, House George, Lee & Helen, House Grace Reformed Church Grace Union Church and Cemetery Harris Arcade Hickory Municipal Building Hickory Southwest Downtown Historic District Highland School Hollar Hosiery Mills-Knit Sox Knitting Mills Houck's Chapel Huffman, George, Farm Keever-Cansler Farm Kenworth Historic District Kenworth Historic District (Boundary Increase) Lentz, John A., House Long, McCorkle and Murray Houses Lyerly Full Fashioned Mill Memorial Reformed Church Miller-Cansler House Moore, Alexander, Farm Moretz, John Alfred, House Murray's Mill Historic District Neill-Turner-Lester House Newton Downtown Historic District North Main Avenue Historic District Oakwood Historic District Perkins House Piedmont Wagon Company Powell-Trollinger Lime Kilns Propst House Propst, David F., House Reinhardt, Franklin D., and Harren-Hood Farms Reinhardt, William Pinckney, House Ridgeview Public Library, (Former) Rock Barn Farm Rudisill-Wilson House Self-Trott-Bickett House Sharpe-Gentry Farm Sherrill, Miles Alexander, House Shuford House Shuford-Hoover House St. Paul's Church and Cemetery St. Paul's Reformed Church Terrell Historic District Warlick-Huffman Farm Weidner Rock House Wesley's Chapel Arbor and Cemetery Whisnant Hosiery Mills Wilfong-Wilson Farm

Catawba County, located in North Carolina, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was home to indigenous peoples, including the Catawba and Cherokee tribes, who thrived along the banks of the Catawba River. Europeans first settled in the region in the 18th century, with the establishment of Fort Dobbs in 1756 to protect against Native American attacks.

During the early 19th century, Catawba County developed into a bustling center for trade and commerce, thanks to its strategic location along major transportation routes. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further accelerated growth, connecting Catawba County to larger markets and leading to the establishment of new towns and industries.

The county played a significant role in the Civil War, with many of its citizens enlisting in the Confederate Army. Catawba County faced hardships during the war, including economic struggles and the destruction caused by Union forces. However, the area slowly recovered in the post-war years, focusing on agriculture, textiles, and furniture manufacturing as its primary industries.

In the 20th century, Catawba County experienced continued growth and industrialization. The county became known as the "Furniture Capital of the South," with numerous furniture manufacturers establishing operations in the area. Over time, the economy diversified, and Catawba County now boasts a thriving manufacturing sector, including industries such as automotive, technology, and healthcare.

Today, Catawba County remains an important center of economic activity in North Carolina, with its rich history contributing to its cultural vibrancy. The county preserve its past through historical sites, museums, and festivals that celebrate its heritage and the contributions of its diverse communities.
Brief timeline of the history of Catawba County, North Carolina:

  • 1747: Catawba County is established as part of Anson County.
  • 1792: The county becomes part of Lincoln County.
  • 1842: Catawba County is officially formed as a separate county.
  • 1870s: Catawba County experiences significant growth with the arrival of the railroad.
  • 1920s: Catawba County becomes a hub for furniture manufacturing.
  • 1940s-1950s: Catawba County's economy diversifies with the growth of textile industries.
  • 1980s: Catawba County faces economic challenges with the decline in the textile and furniture industries.
  • Present: Catawba County continues to focus on economic redevelopment and diversification.

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