Rowan County, North Carolina

Back Creek Presbyterian Church and Cemeterey Barber Farm Bernhardt House Bernhardt, George Matthias, House Bost, Henry Connor, House Boyden High School Braun, Michael, House Brooklyn-South Square Historic District Chambers, Maxwell, House China Grove Roller Mill Christ Episcopal Church Cleveland School Community Building Corriher Grange Hall East Spencer Graded School Eastover Ellis Street Graded School Historic District Fulton Heights Historic District Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church Granite Quarry School Griffith-Sowers House Grimes Mill Grubb-Sigmon-Weisiger House Hall Family House Hambley-Wallace House Henderson, Archibald, Law Office J.C. Price High School Kerr Mill Kerr, Gen. William, House Kesler Manufacturing Co.-Cannon Mills Co. Plant No. 7 Historic District Knox Farm Historic District Knox-Johnstone House Livingstone College Historic District Long, Alexander, House Lyerly Building for Boys McCanless, Napoleon Bonaparte, House McCanless, Walter, House McNeely-Strachan House Monroe Street School Mount Vernon Mount Zion Baptist Church North Long Street-Park Avenue Historic District North Main Street Historic District Owen-Harrison House Phifer, John, Farm Rankin-Sherrill House Salisbury Historic District Salisbury Historic District (Boundary Increase I) Salisbury Historic District (Boundary Increase II) Salisbury Historic District (Boundary Increase III) Salisbury National Cemetery Salisbury Railroad Corridor Historic District Salisbury Railroad Corridor Historic District (Boundary Increase) Salisbury Southern Railroad Passenger Depot Shaver Rental Houses District Sherrill, John Carlyle and Anita, House Shuping's Mill Complex Southern Railway Spencer Shops Spencer Historic District St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and Cemetery Steele, John, House Stigerwalt, John, House Temple, Edgar S. and Madge, House Third Creek Presbyterian Church and Cemetery Thyatira Presbyterian Church, Cemetery, and Manse Wiley, Calvin H., School Wood Grove Zion Lutheran Church

A Short History of Thyatira Presbyterian Church (USA) All Gave Some, Some Gave All Andrew Jackson Arends / Nussman Boone Trail 1769 Burial Trenches and Salisbury Prison C.S. Military Prison Christian Reid City of Salisbury Confederate Prison Cotton Mills Corner Crossroads: Past Into Present Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Food Lion LLC Food Lion Trailer No. 893615 Four Houses of Worship Francis Locke Grace or Lower Stone Church Griffith Rutherford Hall House Harry Cowan Hinton Rowan Helper Historic Spencer Shops Honor Roll J.C. Deagan Tubular Bell Tower Chimes John Steele John W. Ellis John Willis Ellis Knox Home Lee S. Overman Macay Law Office Magnetic Signal Company Maine Matthew Locke Maxwell Chambers House Meroney’s Theatre Norfolk & Western Caboose 555012 Old English Cemetery Old Stone House Old Stone House Organ or Zion Church Pennsylvania Monument Rowan County Courthouse Rowan County World War I Memorial Rural Free Delivery Salisbury Confederate Memorial Salisbury Cotton Mills Salisbury Fire Dept. Salisbury National Cemetery Salisbury Rotary Club Samuel McCorkle Setzer School Signals Southern Public Utilities Co. 1927 Streetcar #85 Spencer Shops Roundhouse and Turntable St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Stoneman’s Raid Stoneman’s Raid The Muscle of Spencer Shops The Travelers' Club Third Creek Church Thyatira Church Town of Spencer Town Well Trading Ford Trading Path Unknown Soldiers Monument Veterans Memorial Helicopter and Tree Washington's Southern Tour Washington’s Tour of the Southern States William Valentine
Rowan County, located in the state of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the prehistoric era. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Cherokee, who lived off the land and hunted in the region. European settlement began in the mid-18th century, when German and Scotch-Irish immigrants migrated to the area in search of fertile land.

In 1753, Rowan County was officially established by the colonial government of North Carolina. The county was named after Matthew Rowan, who was the acting governor at the time of its formation. During the American Revolution, Rowan County played a crucial role, with many of its residents joining the Continental Army to fight for independence. The area also saw significant military activity, including the Battle of Clapp's Mill in 1780.

In the 19th century, Rowan County experienced economic growth and prosperity. Agriculture, particularly cotton and tobacco, became the backbone of the county's economy. The growth of the railroad network in the region further fueled the county's development by connecting it to major markets and cities. However, the county also grappled with social and political challenges, particularly during the Civil War and Reconstruction era.

In the 20th century, Rowan County continued to evolve and adapt. The county experienced industrial growth with the establishment of textile mills, manufacturing plants, and furniture factories. It also became a hub for education and culture, with institutions like Catawba College and a thriving arts community. Today, Rowan County blends its rich history with modern amenities, offering a charming mix of small-town charm and urban convenience.
Brief timeline of the history of Rowan County, North Carolina:

  • 1753 - Rowan County is formed from the western portion of Anson County.
  • 1763 - Salisbury, the county seat, is officially established and becomes an important crossroads town.
  • 1770s - Revolutionary War hostilities intensify in the region, with several notable battles and skirmishes taking place.
  • 1785 - The University of North Carolina is established in Chapel Hill, with Rowan County providing financial support.
  • 19th century - Rowan County experiences significant growth and development, with the establishment of many mills, factories, and the arrival of the railroad.
  • 1839 - The North Carolina Railroad reaches Salisbury, further fueling the county's economic growth.
  • 1861-1865 - Rowan County residents actively participate in the Civil War, with many joining Confederate forces.
  • Late 1800s to early 1900s - Rowan County becomes known for its agricultural output, particularly in the cultivation of tobacco.
  • 1942 - During World War II, the county's population booms due to the establishment of the Richard-Gebaur Air Force Base.
  • Late 20th century - Rowan County experiences a decline in manufacturing and agriculture, with efforts made to diversify the economy.
  • Present day - Rowan County continues to be a hub for commerce, education, and culture, with ongoing efforts to preserve its rich historical heritage.

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

Audiobooks about the history of North Carolina.