text:
Marion, North Carolina

Marion is a city in and the county seat of McDowell County, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1844, the city was named in honor of Brigadier General Francis Marion, the American Revolutionary War Hero whose talent in guerrilla warfare earned him the name "Swamp Fox". Marion's Main Street Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The population was 7,717 at the 2020 Census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.6 sqmi.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,717 people, 2,844 households, and 1,879 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the 2010 Census, there were 7,838 people, 2,146 households, and 1,283 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,441.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,351 housing units at an average density of 690.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 83.23% White, 10.54% Black, 0.28% Native American, 1.05% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 3.82% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.04% of the population.

There were 2,146 households, out of which 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.1% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.2% were non-families. 37.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.7% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,753, and the median income for a family was $35,463. Males had a median income of $25,403 versus $21,671 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,569. About 12.6% of families and 17.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.5% of those under age 18 and 21.8% of those age 65 or over.

Climate
With an elevation of 1,400 feet, Marion's climate is fairly warm during summer (which are typically longer than lower elevation areas in the United States that get the same average high and low temperatures in the summer), when temperatures tend to be in the 80s and 90s, and moderately cold during the winter, with temperatures typically in the 30s and 40s.

The annual average precipitation at Marion is 54 inches. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest month of the year being March with an average rainfall of 5.59 Inches.

History
Marion, the county seat of McDowell County, was planned and built on land selected by the first McDowell County Commissioners on March 14, 1844 at the Historic Carson House on Buck Creek. It was not until 1845, however, that the official name of Marion was sanctioned as the county seat by the state legislature. The name of Marion came from Brigadier General Francis Marion, the American Revolutionary War hero, known as the "Swamp Fox" and the man upon whom the movie The Patriot was based. Marion was also home to Sgt. Daniel Kanipe, one of only two survivors of the Battle of Little Bighorn. An historical marker was placed in front of his former home in 2011. The nearby Lake James is a local tourist attraction, and has been the backdrop for movies such as The Last of the Mohicans and The Hunt for Red October.

Another famous house in Marion is the Joseph McDowell House, built in 1787 by the county's namesake, Joseph McDowell. McDowell played a large role in the Battle of Cowpens when he helped defeat the British in January 1781. McDowell went on to serve as a member of the North Carolina Constitutional Convention in 1788 and was a member of the 3rd United States Congress. Restoration plans are underway to preserve this historic house and ensure that it remains a vital part of Marion's history. In 2010, the Joseph McDowell Greenway opened to the public along the Catawba River, and will soon link the two most historic homes in McDowell County, the Joseph McDowell House and the Carson House.

The Big Fire

Until the late 19th century, Main Street was a collection of mostly wooden huts, houses, and buildings. On Sunday morning, November 25, 1894 a fire sprang up in an old building known as the "Ark" located behind the Courthouse. The fire spread to Main Street and rushed down the street at an incredible pace. The wooden buildings were quickly consumed by the enormous inferno. The few brick buildings on Main Street were also gutted, and because there was no public water supply, bucket brigades were hurriedly formed to halt the advance of the fire. It was not enough, however, and most of Main Street was burned to the ground. Showing the resiliency possessed by the citizens, the city came together and took on the rebuilding process, making Marion larger and stronger than before. Today, downtown Marion is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Depression Era & Labor Conflict

On Oct. 2, 1929, the McDowell County sheriff and several deputies faced a group of workers outside the fence in front of the Marion Manufacturing Company, whose 600 employees had been on strike for four months. A gunfight quickly ensued between the two groups. Sheriff Oscar Adkins would later swear in court that the strikers opened fire first, although no weapons were ever found on any of the strikers. 36 strikers were shot, six mortally, during the confrontation. Sinclair Lewis wrote a syndicated newspaper report entitled "Cheap and Contented Labor: The Picture of the Southern Mill Town." He concluded: "The workers, especially in Marion, have become discouraged. They are hungry, tired, bewildered.  They are sick of being shot down. Unless the whole country encourages them [financially], they will crawl back into the slavery I have sought to picture here." However, since the Great Depression was in the immediate future, little such help would arrive.

Historic District

Eleven structures make up the Main Street Historic District in the downtown area, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Four churches, St. John's Episcopal Church (1882), First Baptist (1914), First Presbyterian (1923), and St. Matthew's Lutheran Church (1935); two former hotels, the Eagle Hotel, which survived the 1894 fire, and the Hotel Marianna (1910); a bank on Main Street built in 1903; the McDowell County Courthouse, which was constructed in 1928; the Marion Depot (1867), which is the oldest surviving depot on the Western Rail Line; the Public Library (1937), which was originally built as a post office; and the Marion Community Building, built in 1937. Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places are the Depot Historic District, Carson House, Carson–Young House, and Lone Beech. Downtown Marion has benefited from recent revitalization, and many new shops, restaurants, and taprooms have opened up along Main Street in recent years.

Marion Today

Marion currently stands as a small congenial town at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, "Where Main Street Meets the Mountains." Just off Interstate 40, Marion is located approximately 35 miles east of Asheville and 20 miles west of Morganton.

Marion was named "North Carolina Small Town of the Year" for 2018 from the N.C. Rural Center. The Small Town of the Year Award recognizes a town or small city “that embraces citizen engagement, values diversity, and fosters strong partnerships.”

Marion serves as a gateway from Interstate 40 to many nearby attractions and recreation activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A contemporary rest area located on the US 221 bypass west of Marion serves as a welcome center for visitors to the area. The rest area and visitor center is staffed with travel counselors during daylight hours. In addition to providing visitor information, it also has picnic facilities and vending machines on the premises.

The Marion Marauders, a Tar Heel League baseball club, were a favorite local attraction in the 1940s and 1950s, and were the home team of star pitcher Kelly Jack Swift, who in 1953 became the last minor league pitcher to ever win 30 games in a season, going 30–7 with a 2.54 ERA. Sports Illustrated published an article about Swift and his accomplishment in its October 17, 2011 edition.

Former University of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball coach and 2007 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Roy Williams was born and spent a part of his childhood in Marion. On July 18, 2011, the town held a ceremony to dedicate a Carolina blue historical marker downtown in front of City Hall, listing Marion as the birthplace of Coach Williams, as well as his many awards and accomplishments.

Marion continues to be a community that values athletics, especially the "Fightin' Titans" of McDowell High, whose girls' basketball team won the 1992 North Carolina 4A State Championship.

McDowell County and the City of Marion is protected by the Marion Police Department as well as the McDowell County Sheriffs Office.

Marion’s current Police Chief is Allen Lawrence, while the McDowell County Sheriff is Ricky Buchanan.

The Marion Fire department Provides fire protection and a Medium level rescue response throughout its district while also receiving assistance from outlying volunteer department mutual aid responses within as well as outside the county.

The McDowell County Rescue Squad and Ambulance Inc provides rescue services both to the city of Marion and the county as a whole while McDowell County EMS provides paramedic level EMS coverage.

Education
McDowell Technical Community College is located here.

Grades Kindergarten through the 5th grade are available to students typically based geographically as to where they reside in the county. Those elementary schools are: Glenwood, Marion, Nebo, North Cove, Pleasant Gardens, Old Fort, Eastfield and West Marion.

The county is also host to two middle schools which are funneled into by the elementary schools. The two middle schools are East McDowell Middle School and West McDowell Middle School, hosting 6th-8th Grade.

Upon completion of the 8th Grade, students have the opportunity of attending McDowell High School or choosing between the McDowell Academy for Innovation or the McDowell Early College. Both of which are hosted by McDowell Technical Community College.

Attractions

The city operates three parks in Marion, the main one being downtown beside the Community Building. In 2010, the City opened the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway. Named in honor of the county's namesake, Colonel Joseph McDowell, the greenway follows the flow of the Catawba River. Benches, picnic tables, fitness stations, fishing piers, and a canoe launch are scattered throughout the three-mile trail. Access points are located at Highway 70 between Highway 221/226 By-Pass and Roby Conley Road, as well as a parking lot at the opposite end behind the Joseph McDowell House.

Historic homes such as the Carson House and the Joseph McDowell House have been preserved to keep the history of Marion alive for decades. They have been open weekdays to the public, but the McDowell House is closed during restoration.

In downtown Marion, the restored Marion Depot, the oldest surviving depot on the Western Rail Line, hosts a number of community events each month, and is available for rental to individuals and groups for meetings, receptions, parties, and other functions. Several golf courses are located outside town, in addition to two waterparks and numerous campgrounds.

Downtown Marion’s most recent change has been the renovation of the Former West Rock plant into a community business complex which plays host to a municipal events center, several business including Barbershops, Martial Arts Schools and tasty restaurants such as the Marion Wing Factory and Burrito Bro’s. In 2023 the Miller Complex hosted famous musician Oliver Anthony who became widely known for his song “Rich Men North of Richmond”

Nearby Lake James provides fishing, camping, and recreation for residents of McDowell and Burke counties. Lake Tahoma, Linville Caverns, Linville Falls, Catawba Falls, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are also close to town, and exhibit the diverse scenery of Western North Carolina.

Notable people

 * Richard Erwin – United States federal judge and politician who was the first African American to be elected to statewide office in North Carolina
 * Gus Greenlee – became a highly successful businessman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; bought the Pittsburgh Crawfords – founded the second Negro National League, and built Greenlee Field, one of the few ballparks owned by a black team
 * Mitch Gillespie – politician and small business owner
 * Greg Holland – MLB pitcher and member of the Kansas City Royals 2015 World Series Championship team
 * Robert C. Hunter – Judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals, from 1998 through 2014
 * Dwayne Ledford – former NFL player, current Offensive Line Coach for the Atlanta Falcons
 * Barbara Loden – Broadway Tony Award-winning American stage and film actress model, and stage/film director
 * Sara McMann – MMA fighter and Olympic silver medalist in women's freestyle wrestling at the 2004 Summer Olympics
 * Orlando Meléndez – basketball player for the Harlem Globetrotters
 * Roy Williams – former head coach for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team

Media

 * Newspaper: The McDowell News
 * Radio: WBRM – 1250 AM, 103.9 FM
 * The News Bulletin of McDowell County

Marion is part of the Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina/Asheville, North Carolina television market.

title: Marion, North Carolina


text:
Old Fort, North Carolina

Old Fort is a town in McDowell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 811 people in the 2020 U.S. census.

History
Before the arrival of European settlers, the area that is now Old Fort was populated by the Catawba and Cherokee. In the 1500s, Spanish explorers came through the area. English and Scottish settlers arrived in the area in the mid-1700s.

During the Revolutionary War, a stockade or fort was constructed on land owned by brothers George and Samuel Davidson, "the westernmost outpost of Colonial civilization" It was called Davidson's Fort and was the post for military expeditions such as that of Gen. Griffith Rutherford in 1776. The fort became a site for trading between settlers and Native Americans.

The arrival of the Western North Carolina Railway (WNCR) in 1869 stimulated the development of a depot and hotel. In 1871, Sanborn Worthen bought the 2200-acre Old Fort Plantation from George Davidson's grandson and changed its name to Catawba Vale. Worth hoped the railroad would build its yard there but the WNCR chose another site.

On January 25, 1872, the town of Catawba Vale was founded. The town name was changed to Old Fort on February 23, 1873, honoring its origins. The railroad came to Old Fort in 1879.

In the 1950s the Supreme Court of North Carolina dismissed a case brought by students attempting to attend the all-white school in Old Fort. They were told to attend Hudgins High School, a school for blacks, 12 miles away in Marion, North Carolina.

In 1984, the town began free weekly mountain music concerts, held in the historic Rockett Building each Friday night downtown. They attracted large audiences and numerous musicians. In mid-2014, the organization that ran mountain music lost its arrangement with the building owner, and the weekly music shows ended after 27 years.

Geography
Old Fort is 30 mi east of Asheville, North Carolina. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, all land. Mill Creek flows through the center of Old Fort. The town is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest which includes bogs, cove forests, fens, and hemlock forests.

Climate
Old Fort has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and average monthly temperatures range from 38.5 F in January to 75.7 F in July. Temperature variations between night and day can reach 21 degrees in the summer and 23 degrees in the winter.

The annual average precipitation at Old Fort is 54.01 in. Rainfall is fairly uniformly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is March, with an average rainfall of 5.59 in.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 811 people, 463 households, and 290 families residing in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 79.04% White, 13.32% African American, 4.19% Hispanic or Latino, 3.21 other races, and  0.25% Asian. The median age is 46.3. Educational attainment of the population is: 18.1% high school diploma and 15.4% with a bachelor's degree.

Economy
In 2020, the median household income was $28,269. Males had a median income $36,607versus $20,625 for females. Of the 463 households in town, 59.2% of the residents own their home. 20.6% of the population lives below the poverty level and 10.4% of the population does not have health insurance.

Employers
Old Fort's largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (78 people), Manufacturing (50 people), and Transportation & Warehousing (46 people). Kitsbow Cycling Apparel, a manufacturer of premier sportswear and accessories, employed sixty full-time people in 2014.

Arts and museums
Old Fort has several attractions, including Andrews Geyser, a gravity-fed fountain created in 1879 as a railroad attraction. Davidson's Fort Historic Park, a nonprofit organization, has reconstructed Davidson Fort, the Revolutionary War and host re-enactments and educational activities. The state operates the Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center which depicts local traditions and lifestyles from the 18th century through the 20th century The Old Fort Train Depot features a railroad exhibit. The historic Carson House museum is located nine miles east of Old Fort in McDowell County.

Events and festivals
The Mountain Gateway Museum hosts Pioneer Day on the last Saturday in April. The North Carolina Gold Festival is held the first Friday/Saturday in June, also on the grounds of Mountain Gateway Museum. Old Fort's Chamber of Commerce sponsors Octoberfest the first weekend in October on the grounds of Mountain Gateway Museum.

Architecture
The Welsford Parker Artz House and Old Fort Commercial Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Arrowhead Monument was built in 1930 as a symbol of peace between the Iroquoian-speaking Cherokee people and Siouan-speaking Catawba people. At the dedication ceremony, more than 6,000 attendees gathered at the town square to see the unveiling of the 14 ft. rose granite arrowhead on a natural stone base.

Sports
Old Fort is the starting point for the annual Assault on Mount Mitchell mountain bike challenge.

Parks and recreation
In 2010, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission added Old Fort to their list of N.C. Mountain Heritage Trout Towns. In downtown Old Fort, the 0.7 mi section of Mill Creek is a "delayed harvest stream."

The 340 ft Catawba Falls, the largest waterfall in McDowell County and the headwaters of the Catawba River, is located just outside the town limits and accessed by hiking trails. In 2009, the N.C. Department of Transportation, local county and town governments, the United States Forest Service, and the local trails association collaborated to arrange for a portion of Old Highway 70, an old forest service road, to be reopened for bicycle and foot traffic. Point Lookout Trail is a popular paved greenway ascending almost 1,000 feet through the Swannanoa Gap in just under 3.6 mi.

Government
Old Fort has six elected officials: the mayor, and five aldermen.

Infrastructure
The town, is traversed by U.S. Highway 70 and Interstate 40. The Town of Old Fort operates a water and sewage system.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Old Fort, North Carolina


text:
West Marion, North Carolina

West Marion is a census-designated place (CDP) in McDowell County, North Carolina, United States, adjacent to the city of Marion, the county seat. The population was 1,348 at the 2010 census, down from 1,556 in 2000.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.9 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,556 people, 677 households, and 459 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 831.2 PD/sqmi. There were 731 housing units at an average density of 390.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.26% White, 5.14% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 1.67% from other races, and 1.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.19% of the population.

There were 677 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.1% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $26,151, and the median income for a family was $31,953. Males had a median income of $22,263 versus $19,816 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $15,087. About 16.3% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.4% of those under age 18 and 17.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: West Marion, North Carolina


text:
Cornelius, North Carolina

Cornelius is a suburban town located along Lake Norman in northern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States. It is a major suburb in the Charlotte metropolitan area. The population was 24,866 at the 2010 census.

History
Potts Plantation in Cornelius was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. The Town of Cornelius, the second youngest of Mecklenburg County's six incorporated towns, was founded in 1893, but not incorporated until March 4, 1905. The town's origin has been traced by many historians to a dispute over cotton weighing.

Geography
Cornelius is located along Lake Norman in northern Mecklenburg County. The town is approximately located 20 mi north of Charlotte.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 12.1 sqmi, of which 11.8 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi (3.20%) is water. Cornelius is one of three towns in Mecklenburg County located north of Charlotte. Along with its sister towns – Davidson and Huntersville – Cornelius serves as a suburb to Charlotte.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 31,412 people, 12,307 households, and 7,853 families residing in the town.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 11,969 people, 5,113 households, and 3,374 families living in the town. The population density was 1,415.5 /mi2. There were 5,716 housing units at an average density of 676.0 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 91.65% White, 5.62% African American, 0.21% Native American, 1.24% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.79% of the population.

Of the 5,113 households 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.8% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 27.0% of households were one person and 5.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.87.

The age distribution was 22.4% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 36.7% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.9 males.

According to Claritas Market Statistics, the median household income in 2010 was $83,789.

School system
The citizens of Cornelius, NC, attend the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Elementary schools include Cornelius Elementary and JV Washam Elementary. Middle schools include Bailey Middle School. William A. Hough High School is the zoned high school. Hough opened in August 2010 and currently serves over 2,000 students.

Private schools

 * Grace Covenant Academy
 * New Beginnings Christian Academy
 * Phoenix Montessori Academy

Libraries
Cornelius is served by a branch of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The library is located in the heart of Cornelius, on Catawba Avenue just east of exit 28 on I-77. 35.48329°N, -80.86408°W

Notable people

 * Erika Brown, Olympic swimmer
 * Vicky Bruce, professional women's soccer player
 * Kevin Conway, professional stock car racing driver
 * Amber Cope, NASCAR driver
 * Jerry K. Crump, soldier in the United States Army; received Medal of Honor during the Korean War
 * Blaine Donahue, professional stock car racing driver
 * Christian Elder, NASCAR driver
 * Mark Fields, NFL cornerback
 * Erik Jones, NASCAR driver
 * Michael Jordan, Hall of Fame NBA basketball player (resident)
 * Steve Letarte, sportscaster and former NASCAR crew chief
 * Joey Logano, NASCAR driver (resident)
 * Leilani Munter, former professional race car driver and environmental activist
 * Ricky Rudd, NASCAR driver
 * Daniel Steedman, soccer player
 * Jeff Tarte, politician
 * Thom Tillis, politician and businessman
 * Brian Voss, PBA and United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame bowler
 * Scot Walters, NASCAR driver
 * Hoyt Wilhelm, MLB pitcher and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame

title: Cornelius, North Carolina


text:
Huntersville, North Carolina

Huntersville is a large suburban town in northern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States. At the 2020 census, its population was 61,376, making Huntersville the 15th-most populous municipality in North Carolina. It is located in the Charlotte metropolitan area and 14 mi north of Charlotte.

History and etymology
Originally named Craighead, the town was renamed to honor Robert Boston Hunter, a local cotton farmer and land owner. The town was incorporated in 1873.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 41.55 sqmi, of which 41.34 sqmi is land and 0.21 sqmi (0.51%) is water.

Huntersville is located 14 miles north of Uptown Charlotte.

2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 61,376 people, 20,074 households, and 14,960 families residing in the town.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 46,773 people, 9,171 households, and 6,859 families residing in the town. The population density was 801.4 PD/sqmi. There were 9,859 housing units at an average density of 316.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 88.42% White, 7.47% African American, 0.37% Native American, 1.50% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.06% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.88% of the population.

There were 9,171 households, out of which 41.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.6% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.2% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.09.

Despite the rapid growth and 9,171 households, and 6,859 families as of 2010, crime remained relatively low.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 40.7% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 6.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $71,932, and the median income for a family was $80,821 (these figures had risen to $80,328 and $90,739 respectively as of a 2007.) Males had a median income of $53,553 versus $33,877 for females. The per capita income for the town was $30,256. 3.1% of the population and 1.9% of families were below the poverty line.

Economy
Joe Gibbs Racing is based in Huntersville. The team has five NASCAR Cup Series drivers championships with Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch, and has won over 190 Cup races.

Museums

 * Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville
 * EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station
 * Holly Bend
 * Hugh Torance House & Store
 * Latta Plantation

Festivals and events
The Carolina Renaissance Festival operates Saturdays and Sundays in October and November.

Library

Huntersville and the surrounding area is served by the North County Regional branch of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Parks and recreation
The town also is known recreationally as a lake community because of its proximity to Lake Norman, a large man-made lake created by Duke Power to serve the nuclear power plant, and Mountain Island Lake, a smaller man-made lake that is used as Charlotte's city water source and located along the southwest border of Huntersville. The lakes attract both boaters and water-skiers from several surrounding states. Huntersville is also home to one private golf course, NorthStone Country Club and two Semi-Private courses; Skybrook Golf Club and Birkdale Golf Course.

Government
The town is governed by an elected Mayor and a Board of Commissioners and elections are officially conducted on a non-partisan basis. Elections are held every two years with the Mayor and Commissioners being elected separately. There is no primary election for either Mayor or the Board of Commissioners. Voters are allowed to vote for up to six Commissioner candidates and the six candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected.

The current Mayor and Town Board after the November 7, 2023, election: Mayor Christy Clark and Commissioners Jennifer Hunt, Nick Walsh, Edwin Quarles, Alisia Bergsman, Amanda Dumas, and LaToya Rivers.

Education
School age children in Huntersville attending public schools are part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system.

Elementary schools

 * Barnette Elementary
 * Legette Blythe Elementary
 * Huntersville Elementary
 * Torrence Creek Elementary
 * Grand Oak Elementary
 * Long Creek Elementary School
 * Hornets Nest Elementary School
 * Trillium Springs Montessori

Middle schools

 * John M. Alexander Middle School
 * Francis Bradley Middle
 * Bailey Middle in Cornelius has an attendance boundary that includes a section of Huntersville

High schools

 * Hopewell High School
 * North Mecklenburg High School
 * William A. Hough High School in Cornelius has a boundary that includes a section of Huntersville.

Charter schools

 * Lake Norman Charter School
 * Bonnie Cone Classical Academy

Private schools

 * Children's Community School
 * SouthLake Christian Academy
 * St Mark Catholic School
 * Christ the King Catholic High School
 * Cannon School

Post secondary

 * Central Piedmont Community College (Merancas Campus)

Media
The town is served by six weekly newspapers, including The Herald Citizen.

Transportation
Huntersville is one of three towns (the others are Cornelius and Davidson) located north of Charlotte, North Carolina, but still within Mecklenburg County. These three towns make up the area known as "North Meck." in northern Mecklenburg County. Express bus transportation and an interstate with HOV lanes that ends five miles south of Huntersville provide access to the downtown business areas of Charlotte.

Two exits from Interstate 77 serve Huntersville. Exit 23 (Gilead Road) connects the expressway with the original town. Exit 25 (North Carolina Highway 73, but most often referred to as Sam Furr Road) provides access to the Birkdale Village area and shopping, medical, and office complexes that have been built since the exit opened.

U.S. Highway 21 (Statesville Road) and North Carolina Highway 115 (Old Statesville Road) are the two main north–south arterial roads through the town. These two routes complement I-77 south to Charlotte and north to Mooresville and Statesville, which are both in adjacent Iredell County.

Notable people

 * Elizabeth Bradford, painter
 * Harrison Burton, NASCAR driver
 * Chris Cole, Libertarian Party activist in North Carolina
 * Luke Combs, country singer and songwriter
 * Brandyn Curry, professional basketball player
 * Blake Koch, NASCAR driver and businessman
 * Drake Maye, NFL quarterback for the New England Patriots
 * Luke Maye, professional basketball player, 2017 NCAA champion with North Carolina
 * Cameron Moore, Christian pop singer/songwriter
 * Bailey Ober, MLB pitcher
 * Elliot Panicco, professional soccer player
 * Reneé Rapp, actress and singer
 * Ryder Ryan, baseball player
 * Drew P. Saunders, former member of the North Carolina General Assembly
 * Ben Shields, former Major League Baseball pitcher
 * Andrea Stinson, former WNBA player
 * Daniel Suárez, NASCAR driver
 * Jim Vandiver, NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver from 1968 to 1983
 * Hoyt Wilhelm, Major League Baseball pitcher and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame

title: Huntersville, North Carolina


text:
Matthews, North Carolina

Matthews is a town in southeastern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States. It is a suburb of Charlotte. The population was 27,198 according to the 2010 census.

History
In the early 19th century, the new settlement that would become Matthews was unofficially named Stumptown for the copious amount of tree stumps left from making way for cotton farms. The community's name later changed to Fullwood, named after appointed area postmaster John Miles Fullwood. The establishment of a sawmill and the cotton and timber industry helped Fullwood change into a town. Prior to the first train arriving on December 15, 1874, Fullwood acted as a stagecoach stop between Charlotte and Monroe. The town was incorporated into a municipal corporation in 1879, and was renamed Matthews in honor of Edward Matthews, who was director of the Central Carolina Railroad, which would later become known as the Seaboard Air Line Railroad.

According to officials, the Matthews Alive Parade, part of a celebration held for the 31st time in 2023, was the largest Labor Day parade in the Southeastern United States.

Geography
Matthews is located at 35.11694°N, -80.71639°W (35.116851, −80.716409).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 17.2 sqmi, all land.

Matthews is situated approximately 11 mi southeast of uptown Charlotte.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 29,435 people, 12,011 households, and 8,496 families residing in the town.

2006-2008
As of the 2006-2008 American Community Survey, there were 26,901 people, 11,349 households, and 7,904 families in the town. According to the Census Bureau of 2000, the population density was 1,557.1 PD/sqmi. There were 138 housing units at an average density of 572.7 /sqmi. According to the 2006-2008 American Community Survey, The racial makeup of the town was 82.3% White, 10.1% African American or Black, 0.3% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.7% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.8% of other race, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.3% of the population.

There were 7,904 households, of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.4% were married/couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.5% were non-families. 22.4% of households were one person and 8.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.08.

The age distribution was 29.9% under the age of 19, 3.2% from 20 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 11% 65 or older. The median age was 40.3 years.

The median household income was $77,981 and the median family income was $88,600. Males had a median income of $65,909 versus $44,665 for females. The per capita income for the town was $35,250. About 2.8% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.6% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Matthews is in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system. Schools in the Matthews city limits include Matthews Elementary, Crown Point Elementary, and Elizabeth Lane Elementary; Crestdale Middle; David W. Butler High School.

Elementary schools serving sections of Matthews include Matthews Elementary, Crown Point, Elizabeth Lane, Mint Hill Elementary in Mint Hill, and Providence Spring (outside of Matthews).

Much of Mathews is zoned to Crestdale Middle School. Portions of Mathews are zoned to Mint Hill Middle in Mint Hill, as well as South Charlotte Middle School. Most of Mathews is zoned to Butler HS, while portions are zoned to Providence High School.

Public charter schools include Matthews Charter Academy, Telra Institute and Socrates Academy. Religious schools nearby include Covenant Day School, Charlotte Christian School, Carmel Christian, Blessed Sacrament Academy, and Greyfriars Classical Academy.

Matthews is served by a branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. The library is located on the first floor of the Matthews Town Hall and is one of the most active in the system.

Economy
Companies with headquarters in Matthews include:
 * Family Dollar Stores, a store chain.
 * Harris Teeter, a grocery store chain.
 * Pokertek, a gaming device manufacturer.

Sports
Matthews is home to professional soccer club Stumptown Athletic, named after the suburb's nickname. It was founded in 2019 and plays in US Soccer's third division, the National Independent Soccer Association. Its home stadium is the 5,000 capacity Sportsplex at Matthews.

Notable people

 * Jamar Adams, NFL safety
 * Tyler Barnhardt, actor
 * J. Curtis Blackwood Jr., Republican member of the North Carolina General Assembly
 * Robert Blanton, NFL strong safety
 * Jarrett Boykin, wide receiver in both the NFL and CFL
 * Cierra Burdick, WNBA player
 * Ty Buttrey, MLB pitcher
 * Dion Byrum, football cornerback
 * Tricia Cotham, Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives
 * Brooklyn Decker, model and actress best known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
 * Jahwan Edwards, football running back
 * Ikem Ekwonu, NFL offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers
 * Riley Ferguson, football quarterback
 * Jim Gulley, member of the North Carolina General Assembly
 * Tomas Hilliard-Arce, professional soccer player
 * Darius Kilgo, NFL defensive tackle and two-time Super Bowl champion
 * Jordan Lloyd, winner of the reality TV show Big Brother 11 and contestant on Big Brother 13 and The Amazing Race 16
 * Jennifer Loven, journalist, former White House press correspondent for the Associated Press (AP)
 * Kenneth Moore, NFL wide receiver
 * Jerry Reary, NASCAR driver
 * Channing Stribling, football cornerback
 * Alex Maughan, MLR rugby forward Rugby ATL

Sister cities
Matthews is twinned with:
 * 🇫🇷 Sainte-Maxime, Var, France

title: Matthews, North Carolina


text:
Mint Hill, North Carolina

Mint Hill is a suburban town in southeastern Mecklenburg and northwestern Union counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina, it is a major suburb on the outskirts of Charlotte and near the Cabarrus County line. The population was 22,722 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau the town has a total area of 21.3 sqmi, of which 21.2 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.19%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 26,450 people, 9,627 households, and 7,386 families residing in the town.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 14,922 people, 5,581 households, and 4,431 families living in the town. The population density was 702.9 /mi2. There were 5,763 housing units at an average density of 271.5 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 78.42% White, 12.34% African American, 0.61% Native American, 2.53% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.08% from other races, and 1.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.29%.

Of the 5,581 households 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.9% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.6% were non-families. 16.4% of households were one person and 5.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 2.98.

The age distribution was 24.3% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median household income was $60,822 and the median family income was $67,055. Males had a median income of $45,368 versus $30,467 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,487. About 2.9% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.9% of those under age 18 and 11.4% of those age 65 or over.

Schools and libraries
The children of Mint Hill within Mecklenburg County attend Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Elementary schools in the Mint Hill city limits include Bain, Lebanon Road, and Mint Hill. Clear Creek Elementary is across from the Mint Hill city limits and serves a section of Mint Hill. Another section of Mint Hill is zoned to J. H. Gunn Elementary School.

Middle schools serving Mint Hill include Northeast Middle, and Mint Hill Middle, both in Mint Hill, as well as Albermarle Road Middle School, outside of Mint Hill. High school students in Mecklenburg County attend either Independence High School in Mint Hill, Rocky River High School in Mint Hill, or David W. Butler High School in Matthews.

Charter schools Queen's Grant Community School and Queen's Grant High School are also located in the town.

Mint Hill is served by a branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

title: Mint Hill, North Carolina


text:
Talk:Central Europe

Slovenia
Why do you think Slovenia is alternatively placed in Southeastern Europe, if only 25% of it actually lies on the Balkans/Southeastern Europe and is historically and culturally closer to Austria than countries like Serbia and southern part of Croatia.I think Slovenia shoud be placed next to states like Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic,etc. and not in the section "other countries and regions". Europan guy (talk) 14:32, 2 July 2020 (UTC)

Slovenia is also part of Alpain countries which together with the countries of Visegrad group, form Central Europe  Europan guy (talk) 14:41, 2 July 2020 (UTC)
 * Agree, Slovenia and Austria share a long common history (Habsburgs etc.) German was even once an official language and primary literary language in the region back in a day. I’m not sure why Slovenia is not classified here as Central Europe, I’ll read more about it. GizzyCatBella  🍁  16:23, 2 July 2020 (UTC)
 * Doesn't matter where it is placed, or what it is historically and culturally closer to, or whether we agree. If the sources said that Tasmania was part of central Europe, then we would add Tasmania to the article (don't worry, the sources don't say that).  I'm reverting your recent change, User:Europan guy, as original research.  If you can get sufficient reliable sources that prove your point, then fine. Since there is already disagreement among the sources themselves about this, it comes down to WP:DUEWEIGHT and WP:WikiVoice; this may need an Rfc to resolve. Thanks, Mathglot (talk) 00:23, 26 August 2020 (UTC)

Hello, about the source. One of the sources is a map, and that map is not a map of Slovenia. It's a map of Serbia, which doesn't have anything to do with Slovenia Europan guy (talk) 00:43, 8 November 2020 (UTC)

 * and I see Slovenia was added back. I supposes that more sources were found to peg it as central rather than Southern? I don’t disagree, as I very much agree with Slovenia bejng categorized as being in Central Europe, but given the second map in the intro and more sources than not state Croatia as part of Central Europe, which weighs more towards it being technically central, it would seem consistent to also include it on the list. No to mention Croatia being in union with Hungary and in the Austro Hungarian empire for over 900 years. Also a number of maps include Croatia as part right before the States section. It is a weird one as it also spans into Southern Europe, basically dipping ine oeg in each so I can see it also not fully qualify as central Europe outright as Slovenian is already considered Southern Central Europe. Thoughts? Cheers. OyMosby (talk) 21:42, 12 June 2022 (UTC)

 * I agree — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2600:1009:B023:4E97:C17A:6D85:8C51:CA24 (talk) 20:09, 30 April 2024 (UTC)

Lede paragraph about multiculturalism
After having seen the two edits today, this removal with this revert, I have taken a closer look at the paragraph in question. It was added in November through two consecutive edits by an IP editor, citing what at first seems to look like adequate sources. The problem is that those sources do not really support the analysis in the added text. Multiculturalism and nationalism are briefly mentioned in a couple of the sources, communism is not, and there is really no way these sources support a broad overall view of Central Europe through the centuries as the added text indicates. This is clearly original research and synthesis. I am sure it is possible to elaborate on this in the "History" section of the article, but it will have to be done with proper inline sourcing, not just by lumping some books/articles into a note. It is possible that some mention may also be suitable in the lede, but per MOS:INTRO only if it is properly presented in the article itself. --T*U (talk) 12:34, 16 February 2021 (UTC)

misleading wording
@[User:NeonFor] Your partly reverted my edit.

"continue to show some socio-economic disparities" is ambiguous and even misleading. This wording suggests disparities between those less developed countries themselves, which is not the intended meaning, and not necessarily true. Those countries are just less developed compared to the other members of the European Union. So I changed the wording for a relevant reason. 85.193.252.19 (talk) 15:47, 11 November 2021 (UTC)

 * Well, the whole sentence "Although several Central European countries are still socioeconomically less developed" is misleading and pretentious. Central Europe is a region of Europe, not a region of European Union. And when we compare CE to the Europe as a whole, certainly we can not call it "less developed". I think we should only leave the part about "remarkable" progress and HDI classification.NeonFor (talk) 18:23, 19 November 2021 (UTC)

 * @User:NeonFor OMG, now I see my mistake. You are absolutely right, and I've just restored your wording. Sorry about my revert. Your edit was perfect. Regards from Poland :-) 85.193.252.19 (talk) 02:10, 23 November 2021 (UTC)

Orphaned references in Central Europe
I check pages listed in Category:Pages with incorrect ref formatting to try to fix reference errors. One of the things I do is look for content for orphaned references in wikilinked articles. I have found content for some of Central Europe's orphans, the problem is that I found more than one version. I can't determine which (if any) is correct for this article, so I am asking for a sentient editor to look it over and copy the correct ref content into this article.

Reference named "UN": From Oxford University Press:  From Eastern Europe:

I apologize if any of the above are effectively identical; I am just a simple computer program, so I can't determine whether minor differences are significant or not. Feel free to remove this comment after fixing the refs. AnomieBOT ⚡ 01:16, 18 October 2023 (UTC)

title: Talk:Central Europe


text:
Bakersville, North Carolina

Bakersville is a town in Mitchell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 464 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Mitchell County.

History
In prehistoric times, local mica deposits were extensively mined by Native Americans. The first Euro-American settlers arrived in the area after the American Revolution, establishing scattered homesteads. The town of Bakersville dates from the 1850s and was named for David Baker, a Revolutionary War soldier and one of the first to live in the area around 1790 and described as "a large land owner, innkeeper, merchant and political leader until his death in 1838. Some of David's sons and daughters remained and were equally influential in the area for many years after David's death. " Situated on the main route leading over Roan Mountain and westward into Tennessee, the town developed slowly. Traveler Frederick Law Olmsted passed through Bakersville in the early 1850s and noted that the "town" consisted of only a couple of cabins within a quarter-mile radius. In 1861, a post office was established and named Davis after Jefferson Davis. Following the Civil War, the county seat of newly created Mitchell County was relocated to the town that had been renamed Bakersville by the Republican state government, leading to the construction of a courthouse and a growth in population. In the 1870s, as mica became commercially valuable, the rich local deposits of the mineral caused a temporary economic boom. Bakersville is also home to the North Carolina Rhododendron Festival. The pageant attracts visitors from across the state and nation, most notably Richard Nixon in 1968.

Historian and sociologist James W. Loewen has identified Bakersville as one of several possible sundown towns in North Carolina.

The Mitchell County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.8 sqmi, all land.

Education
Bakersville has one public primary and middle school, with approximately two hundred students.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 357 people, 168 households, and 97 families residing in the town. The population density was 474.4 PD/sqmi. There were 206 housing units at an average density of 273.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.72% White and 0.28% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.28% of the population.

There were 168 households, out of which 20.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.7% were non-families. 39.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.72.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 19.3% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 26.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 77.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $19,286, and the median income for a family was $31,563. Males had a median income of $27,500 versus $22,083 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,997. About 15.2% of families and 18.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.9% of those under age 18 and 23.7% of those age 65 or over.

Educational facilities
Bakersville is home to Gouge Primary School (K–4), Bowman Middle School (5–8), and Mitchell High School (9-12).

The Mitchell County Library, a branch of the Avery-Mitchell-Yancey Regional Library, is located at 18 North Mitchell Avenue.

Notable people

 * Del McCoury – bluegrass musician
 * Red Wilson – bluegrass musician
 * Waddell Wilson – former crew chief and engine builder in NASCAR
 * Ralph Yelton – served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1977 to 1989

title: Bakersville, North Carolina


text:
Spruce Pine, North Carolina

Spruce Pine is the largest town in Mitchell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,175 at the 2010 census.

History
Spruce Pine was founded in 1907 when the Clinchfield Railroad made its way up the North Toe River from Erwin, Tennessee. The town was originally centered around a tavern operated by Isaac English, located on an old roadway that ran from Cranberry, North Carolina, down to Marion, NC. The Old English Inn still stands at its original location near the center of town. In 1923, after an African American escaped convict allegedly raped a local white resident, a large armed white mob rounded up scores of Black men who were laboring on a road construction project and forced them to leave town on boxcars. North Carolina Governor Cameron Morrison deployed National Guard troops to Spruce Pine so that the workers could return and complete the road.

The railroad, combined with a rapidly expanding mining industry (the town is the namesake of the famous Spruce Pine Mining District) made Spruce Pine the largest town in the Toe River Valley, as it became the hub of commerce and culture for the area. Spruce Pine was the home of The Feldspar Company and Spruce Pine Mica, and other major mining interests had operations in and around the town. With the decline in use of railroads to ship goods, along with increasing automation in the mining industry, the town has recently seen its fortunes dwindle and has undertaken a major effort to reinvent itself. Tourism has become a major economic force in the region, and the town's proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, combined with its location near the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, has helped make Spruce Pine a travel destination for many. The town also boasts the moniker of "The Mineral City of the World".

On August 4, 2007, the downtown area of Spruce Pine was threatened when an arsonist set fire to several buildings downtown. The fires, which brought firemen from four counties around Spruce Pine, severely damaged the building housing Cheapskates Music on Lower Street, and caused some tense moments when it seemed that the fires might spread out of control and consume the downtown area.

The Downtown Spruce Pine Historic District and Gunter Building are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spruce Pine is the exclusive supplier of sand to Augusta National Golf Club.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.9 mi2, all land. The town limits are approximately three miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 50 miles northeast of Asheville and 40 miles southwest of Boone.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,194 people, 936 households, and 535 families residing in the town.

2000 census
According to the census of 2000, there were 2,030 people, 888 households, and 575 families residing in the town. The population density was 522.0 /mi2. There were 968 housing units at an average density of 248.9 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 96.35% White, 0.39% African American, 0.54% Native American, 0.05% Asian, 2.27% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.79% of the population.

There were 888 households, out of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $24,766, and the median income for a family was $33,902. Males had a median income of $22,324 versus $22,375 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,440. About 12.4% of families and 17.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.5% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.

Landmarks and facilities
In 1955, Blue Ridge Community Hospital opened in Spruce Pine. It eventually was renamed Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, and was absorbed by Mission Health System. It serves Mitchell and Yancey Counties, and upper McDowell and lower Avery Counties.

East Carolina University Dental School announced a facility would open in 2014 on the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital campus to serve Western North Carolina residents in the Mayland area (Mitchell, Avery and Yancey Counties). This facility is one of 5 facilities proposed throughout the state of North Carolina.

Spruce Pine is home to five schools: Greenlee Primary (K-2), Deyton Elementary (3-5), Harris Middle (6-8), Tri- County Christian School and the Spruce Pine Montessori School (18 months - 6th grade). Secondary education for Spruce Pine students is at Mitchell High School, located in the Ledger community of Mitchell County.

Mayland Community College also calls Spruce Pine home, just outside the city limits to the east on the Avery County line. Founded by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly in 1971, Mayland hosts some 35 curriculum programs and provides vocational and technical training, along with college transfer opportunities to residents of the region.

In 1998, the medium-security men's state prisons Mountain View Correctional Institution and Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution opened at the Avery-Mitchell County line.

Media
Spruce Pine is home to The Mitchell News-Journal, a weekly newspaper printed by Community Newspapers, Inc. and WTOE radio, at 1470 kHz on the AM dial and 101.1 FM. The radio station operates 24 hours a day and is an ABC Radio affiliate. It is owned by Mountain Valley Media, based in Burnsville, NC.

Transport
Beginning in 2014, The North Carolina Department of Transportation began widening U.S. Route 19E, which is the major corridor linking the towns of Spruce Pine and Burnsville to Interstate 26. The widened highway has transformed a two-lane highway to a divided four-lane featuring grassy medians and turn lanes. The widening project was completed in 2020.

Notable people

 * Gaylord Perry – Professional Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, was a resident of Spruce Pine
 * Bill Szymczyk – American music producer & technical engineer. Bill has produced such acts as B.B. King, Eagles, Joe Walsh, James Gang & Elvin Bishop just to name a few. He now lives in Little Switzerland, NC.
 * Roy Williams – UNC basketball coach, raised a little in Spruce Pine but grew up mainly in Asheville
 * Gerri Willis – native of Spruce Pine, Fox Business Network Anchor and Reporter
 * Indigo De Souza – raised in Spruce Pine, indie-rock musician

title: Spruce Pine, North Carolina


text:
Biscoe, North Carolina

Biscoe is a town in Montgomery County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,700 at the 2010 census. The town is named after Henry Biscoe, an important customer of the local lumber business.

History
The area was formerly called "Filo." The current name was adopted in 1895.

Biscoe's past was dependent on the railroad industry, and it was once an important repair center for railroad equipment. The Aberdeen and West End Railroad (owned by the Page family of Aberdeen, North Carolina) completed a branch to Star, North Carolina from Filo, NC (current Biscoe) in 1895. The A & W. E. R.R. was merged into the Aberdeen and Asheboro Railroad in 1897.

Biscoe was incorporated in 1901.

Notable person
Former U.S. Congressman Larry Kissell is a resident of Biscoe.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.0 sqmi, all land.

U.S. 220, I-73/74 and N.C. 24/27 all pass through Biscoe.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,848 people, 600 households, and 498 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,700 people, 535 households, and 393 families residing in the town. The population density was 855.8 /mi2. There were 572 housing units at an average density of 287.9 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 58.35% White, 24.47% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 15.47% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 23.24% of the population.

There were 535 households, out of which 38.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.42.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,667, and the median income for a family was $37,500. Males had a median income of $23,214 versus $21,089 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,302. About 8.5% of families and 11.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.4% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Biscoe, North Carolina


text:
Candor, North Carolina

Candor is a town in Montgomery County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 840 at the 2010 census. Candor is the home of the North Carolina Peach Festival, which is held every year on the third Saturday of July. The town's welcome sign reads: Welcome to Candor. Peach Capital.

History
Candor was so named for the settlers' honest dealings.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 813 people, 335 households, and 266 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 825 people, 280 households, and 204 families residing in the town. The population density was 691.2 PD/sqmi. There were 299 housing units at an average density of 250.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 79.03% White, 8.73% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.36% Pacific Islander, 7.39% from other races, and 4.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 27.03% of the population.

There were 280 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.4% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $37,917, and the median income for a family was $42,000. Males had a median income of $27,031 versus $20,673 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,107. About 8.3% of families and 14.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.8% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Candor, North Carolina


text:
Mount Gilead, North Carolina

Mount Gilead is a town in Montgomery County, in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,181 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.3 square miles (8.5 km2), all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,171 people, 476 households, and 273 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,389 people, 502 households, and 367 families residing in the town. The population density was 424.2 PD/sqmi. There were 553 housing units at an average density of 168.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 50.04% African American, 46.29% White, 0.50% Native American, 2.16% Asian, 0.29% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.58% of the population.

There were 502 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 20.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.6% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,250, and the median income for a family was $36,250. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $21,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,236. About 15.6% of families and 18.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.5% of those under age 18 and 14.8% of those age 65 or over.

Ancient history
This region was occupied by the Pee Dee culture, part of the Southern Appalachian Mississippian culture, from about 980 to 1150 CE. They built the earthwork platform mound and other structures at Town Creek Indian Mound, which has been designated a National Historic Landmark since 1966. It is the only Native American site in the state to be designated as a national landmark. In the 21st century, the Pee Dee are based in South Carolina, where the state has recognized several bands as tribes.

European-American settlement
Mount Gilead was incorporated in 1899 as the textile industry built mills in the Piedmont section of the state above the fall line of rivers. They processed the commodity crop of cotton, which had been important to the South since before the Civil War. The textile mills provided jobs to white residents of the region, later also employing blacks and supporting relative prosperity in the region.

Since the late 20th century, many textile jobs moved offshore in a restructuring of the industry as it sought lower labor costs. Like many small southern towns, Mount Gilead suffered economic and population decline following the loss of these textile jobs.

Historic District and sites
The town has begun to emphasize the appeal of its historic resources. Its Historic District has been inventoried and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Mount Gilead was selected to participate in the N.C. Small Town Main Street Program (co-sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation) and received a S.T.E.P. (Small Town Economic Prosperity) grant of $220,000 to help revitalize the downtown area and create jobs, respectively.

The Mount Gilead Museum is located in a restored Victorian house near the downtown area. The house belonged to the McAulay family, who played an important role in Mount Gilead business, church, social, and civic life. The museum houses many documents, photographs, and historic artifacts that tell the story of Mount Gilead's past.

Notable people from Mount Gilead
The Haywood plantation house where Oscar Haywood lived is in Mount Gilead. He is buried in Sharon Cemetery in the town.

Mount Gilead is the birthplace of civil rights attorney Julius L. Chambers (b. 1936). A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (J.D., 1962), Chambers served as editor-in-chief of the school's Law Review. He next earned a master of law degree from New York's Columbia University in 1964.

Arts
The Piedmont Center of the Arts and The Ford Place Restaurant, Pub & Special Events Center were developed with funding from the North Carolina Rural Center. The arts facility houses a wood-turner who gives lessons, the office of the Mount Gilead Arts Guild, a retail co-op store, and a clock repair shop. The restaurant is based in an adapted Ford dealership. Customers see much of the town's history preserved on the walls and under glass on the tables.

Mount Gilead has a number of visual and performing artists who routinely show their work at the arts complex.

The Mount Gilead Community Concerts Association (MGCCA) is a non-profit organization presenting a program of diverse performing arts to the local area. Incorporated in 2001, the organization presents an annual Concert Series featuring visiting musicians. When possible, these artists present a program for local school students. MGCCA is governed by a volunteer board of directors and supported through the contributions of local individuals and companies.

The Mount Gilead Community Choir has produced annual concerts since its founding in 1995. This group of volunteer singers traditionally presents a Christmas concert on the first Sunday in December. The choir is supported in part by the Mount Gilead Community Concerts Association (MGCCA), and more information can be found of the organization's website.

Community Radio WMTG-LP (88.1 FM) is a non-commercial, low-power station that serves the town by airing announcements of local interest. The station programs a mix of oldies and adult contemporary music and broadcasts 24 hours a day. WMTG is a service of the Mount Gilead Community Concerts Association (MGCCA).

title: Mount Gilead, North Carolina


text:
Star, North Carolina

Star is a town in Montgomery County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 876 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Star is known as the geographic center of North Carolina as measured via satellite, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. A plaque marking the exact center was placed at 35.39976°N, -79.76661°W (35.399756, -79.766613). The plaque is on private land and not open to visitors. However, conflicting reports show the geographic center actually being in Chatham County, northwest of Sanford. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 806 people, 262 households, and 147 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 807 people, 335 households, and 211 families residing in the town. The population density was 666.4 /mi2. There were 364 housing units at an average density of 300.6 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 90.71% White, 1.98% African American, 0.62% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.50% Pacific Islander, 5.33% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.17% of the population.

There were 335 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.9% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $26,845, and the median income for a family was $32,083. Males had a median income of $26,563 versus $22,344 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,300. About 12.1% of families and 18.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.8% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

History
The town of Star was incorporated in 1897. It was originally called Hunsucker's Store, after a trading post operated by the original landowner, Mr. Martin Hunsucker. After the Civil War, a man named Angus Leach moved to Hunsucker's Store and helped to found the present Town of Star, serving as postmaster, hotel operator, and general merchandise store owner. Gold was discovered in the area around 1866, and by 1874 there were extensive gold mining operations in this part of the state, particularly around the Little River area of Star. When the Aberdeen and West End Railroad (owned by the Page family of Aberdeen, NC), completed a branch to Star from Filo, NC (Biscoe, North Carolina) in 1895, it was only a short period later before Star was incorporated into a town. Star was a major shipping point for lumber, turpentine, and bricks beginning in 1896 with the completion of the Asheboro and Montgomery Railroad, also built by the Page family. In 1896, the Leach Family erected a large wooden hotel to accommodate the travelers and workers of the railroad, and the hotel (The Star Hotel Bed and Breakfast) is still standing today and is owned by Gary Spivey. In 1897, the Aberdeen and West End Railroad merged with the Asheboro and Montgomery Railroad to form the Aberdeen and Asheboro Railroad, thus opening the area to a whole new range of shipping. The timber industry was the first major factor in the growth of Star. The Star Lumber Company, headed by Z.T. Wright, J.B. Shamburger, and W.T. Harper, had built a tramway in 1896 to haul logs to the mills in town. The tramway was removed in 1901 when the Durham and Charlotte Railroad was built to Star. The Durham and Charlotte Railroad was to connect the two cities of Durham and Charlotte. Because The town of Star was the junction and crossroads for the Aberdeen & Asheboro Railroad and the Durham & Charlotte Railroad, business in the town began to pick up.

Sometime around 1900, a bottling plant was established in Star by J.R. Ingrahm to bottle sodas for the area. This company preceded the Coca-Cola Plant in Star, which was later moved to Biscoe, North Carolina. Also in 1900, the Montgomery Roller Mill was incorporated with a capital stock of $4700 by Braxton Auman, who also operated a whiskey distillery and chair factory. In 1907, Star's first undertaker, Mr. H.D. Phillips, established a funeral parlor. This was the beginning of a long and successful business for the Phillips family who still operate the Phillips Funeral Home today. Interesting to note was the organization of a "Carolina Collegiate and Agricultural Institute" around 1910 in Star by Dr. Edward F. Green that cooperated with the North Carolina A & M College in Raleigh. The town saw massive growth between the years of 1912 and 1950 when the Norfolk Southern Railway (former) purchased the old lines of the Aberdeen and Asheboro Railroad and the Durham and Charlotte Railroad. The operation held a depot, water tank, and coal chute in Star. This new era saw the introduction of the hosiery mill industry, a boom in lumber production, various new stores and products, and a huge surge in population. In 1914–1915, Boy Scout Troop 111 was established in Star, one of the earliest in North Carolina. Since that point, the town continued to slowly grow into a prosperous community. In the 1960s the town undertook the task of erecting some of the first public housing units in the state. On March 14, 1969, Lancer Inc., one of the nation's Top 50 upholstered furniture manufacturers, started its operations in Star and continues to be one of Star's largest employers, having expanded its operations six times. Since then, the hosiery mills experienced a decline and eventually left Star. This left hundreds unemployed and the once prosperous town of Star began to wither away. The buildings that once employed many now mostly sit empty. In September 2013, downtown Star was honored by being listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Star Historic District.

Star today
Star has been designated as a U.S. Postal Service Christmas Town. The Star Christmas Parade is documented as one of the oldest in the State, as well as the longest with the most entries. Central Park NC has its current headquarters in the old Country Life Academy building in Star, now known as STARworks Center for Creative Enterprise. STARworks hosts several annual events including the Annual Glass Pumpkin Patch and FireFest: Community Fueled Art. The town is located at the center of the state of North Carolina. Local and nearby attractions include Uwharrie National Forest, Badin Lake, Lake Tillery, North Carolina Zoo, and Pinehurst.

title: Star, North Carolina


text:
Troy, North Carolina

Troy is a town in Montgomery County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 3,188 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Montgomery County. A short story by Charles W. Chesnutt, The Sheriff's Children, is set in Troy.

History
Troy lies in an area once known for its vast longleaf pine forests; much of the town's early development came from the harvesting of those trees for lumber and turpentine. Originally known as West Old Fields, the name was changed to Troy in 1843 when the county seat of Montgomery County was moved there from Old Lawrenceville. The town was incorporated in 1853.

The coming of the Asheboro and Aberdeen railroad as well as the gold mining industry surrounding the town accelerated growth in the late 19th century. By the 20th century textile mills and lumber mills were contributing heavily to Troy's economy.

The Hotel Troy, Montgomery County Courthouse, and Troy Residential Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.0 sqmi, of which 3.0 sqmi is land and 0.34% is water.

Troy, along with most of Montgomery County, lies within the Uwharrie National Forest.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,850 people, 1,099 households, and 547 families residing in the town.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,189 people, 1,115 households, and 704 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,156.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,209 housing units at an average density of 407.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 58.9% White, 31.8% African American, 0.73% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 3.32% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.3% of the population.

There were 1,108 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.2% were married couples living together, 20.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 35.0% from 25 to 44, 16.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.7 years. Male population makes up 37% with a median age of 34.1 years. The female population makes up 63% with a median age of 37.7 years.

The median income for a household in the town was $22,933, and the median income for a family was $33,984. Males had a median income of $29,500 versus $19,861 for females. The per capita income for the town was $11,420. About 20.9% of families and 24.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.8% of those under age 18 and 26.1% of those age 65 or over. Of the 1,115 occupied housing units, 46.7% are owner-occupied housing units while 53.3% are renter-occupied housing units.

Education

 * Montgomery Community College
 * Montgomery County Central High School
 * Montgomery Learning Academy
 * Page Street Elementary

Notable person

 * Henry F. Warner, United States Army soldier and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War II

title: Troy, North Carolina


text:
Aberdeen, North Carolina

Aberdeen is a town in Moore County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 6,350 at the 2010 census.

History
Scottish emigrants were the first Europeans to settle the area beginning in 1745. They were drawn to the area by bountiful hunting and virgin land, and they founded the communities of Bethesda and Blue's Crossing by the late 18th Century.

During the American Revolution, the people of what is now Aberdeen were generally Loyalists. There were a few small skirmishes in the vicinity of Aberdeen, most notably the one at Ray's Mill Creek, in which Colonel Philip Alston of the House in the Horseshoe, who was in pursuit of Loyalist Colonel David Fanning, savagely beat Kenneth Black, a local who had acted as Fanning's guide through the area.

One of the earliest industries of Bethesda and Blue's Crossing was naval stores due to the abundance of pine trees in the area. These goods were transported to market initially via the Cape Fear River to Wilmington, and later by plank road.

Over 1,500 residents of what is now Aberdeen participated in the Civil War. Nearly one-third of the soldiers sent were killed, which decimated the labor supply. After the Civil War, however, the Raleigh and Augusta Air Line Railroad connected the community of Blue's Crossing to the rest of the country, allowing them to sell their naval stores and timber to the rest of the country.

In 1877, a post office was established and Malcolm J. Blue was appointed postmaster. Four years later, Allison F. Page bought numerous forested acres to build a rail line, as well as to clear the land for timber. This land was later sold to James Walker Tufts for $1 an acre, and later became home of the historic golf resort, Pinehurst Resort. Blue's Crossing's name was officially changed to the present Aberdeen in 1888.

In the early twentieth century, tobacco farming came to the town. Aberdeen's proximity to Pinehurst resulted in a boom in the tourism and retirement industries, which remain a major part of the local economy today.

The Aberdeen Historic District, Bethesda Presbyterian Church, John Blue House, and Malcolm Blue Farm are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.2 sqmi, of which 6.2 sqmi is land and 0.16% is water.

Aberdeen Creek, a tributary to Drowning Creek (Lumber River), flows through the middle of Aberdeen.

Education
The following schools are located in Aberdeen:

 * The Academy of Moore County
 * Aberdeen Elementary School
 * Southern Middle School

In addition, the area is served by Pinecrest High School and Sandhills Community College.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 8,516 people, 2,891 households, and 1,786 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,400 people, 1,526 households, and 929 families residing in the town. The population density was 551.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,655 housing units at an average density of 268.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 73.03% White, 21.76% African American, 0.94% Native American, 1.21% Asian, 1.76% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.97% of the population.

There were 1,526 households, out of which 25.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.4% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.1% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.1% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,911, and the median income for a family was $42,383. Males had a median income of $30,906 versus $23,403 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,045. About 9.8% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.5% of those under age 18 and 19.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Aberdeen, North Carolina


text:
Cameron, North Carolina

Cameron is a town in Moore County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 359 at the 2020 census.

History
Cameron grew up around a plank road that was followed in later years by a railroad. The town was planned in 1875 and incorporated in 1876. Cameron was at the end of the Raleigh and Augusta Railroad. Its location made it an ideal place for entrepreneurs to establish businesses. They built turpentine distilleries, established mercantile and hotel businesses to serve the needs of the railroad's customers and built a thriving dewberry farming and consignment operation.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.0 sqmi, all land.

Neighboring towns include Vass to the south and Carthage to the west.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 151 people, 66 households, and 41 families living in the town. The population density was 143.8 /mi2. There were 78 housing units at an average density of 74.3 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 64.90% White and 35.10% Black. Of the 66 households 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.9% were married couples living together, 18.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 31.8% of households were one person and 16.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.88.

The age distribution was 17.9% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 21.2% 65 or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 75.6 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 82.4 males.

The median household income was $32,500 and the median family income was $41,964. Males had a median income of $32,917 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,337. There were 17.9% of families and 21.3% of the population living below the poverty line, including 13.5% of those under eighteen and 45.8% of those over 64.

Notable people

 * Jeff Hardy, professional wrestler
 * Matt Hardy, professional wrestler
 * Shannon Moore, professional wrestler
 * Trevor Lee, professional wrestler

title: Cameron, North Carolina


text:
Carthage, North Carolina

Carthage is the county seat of Moore County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,635 at the 2020 census. The city is named after Carthage.

History
The town was the home of the Tyson & Jones Buggy Company, a predominant cart and buggy manufacturer in the late 1800s. A common local story is that after the closing of the Tyson Buggy Company, Henry Ford was interested in buying the old plant and converting it into a car assembly line. According to the legend, the owners refused to let Ford buy the plant. He moved on and built his first plant in Detroit, making it the center of auto manufacturing. This story is often repeated despite a lack of evidence, and it runs contrary to the life of Ford, who was born and raised in Detroit and started his businesses there. A few years after being closed, the former Tyson Buggy plant burned down.

Another common local story is that the town was originally selected as the site for the University of North Carolina. Supposedly, city leaders did not want the university built there. City leaders purportedly told the State that Carthage was on too steep of a hill for locomotives to climb and that access to the university would be limited if built there. This often-repeated story does not account for the fact that locomotives were not invented until two decades after the university had been built in Chapel Hill.

The town has an annual event in spring called the Buggy Festival. This event is used to showcase the history of the town and features music, hot rods, old tractors, old buggies made by the Tyson Buggy Company, and crafts from potteries in the surrounding areas. The festival is held in the town square around the Old Court House, recognized as a historic landmark.

Tyson & Jones buggy factory partner, William T. Jones was born the son of a slave and her white owner in 1833. By the time of his death in 1910, William T. Jones was one of the prominent business owners in Carthage. He rubbed elbows with the elite, white, upper class in Moore County during the 1880s, dined with them, threw elaborate holiday parties where most of the guests were white, and even attended church with them. Both of his wives, Sophia Isabella McLean and Florence Dockery were white. Dockery was the daughter of a well-to-do Apex family.

James Rogers McConnell, a resident of Carthage (March 14, 1887 – March 19, 1917) flew as an aviator during World War I in the Lafayette Escadrille and authored Flying for France. He was the first of sixty-four University of Virginia students to die in battle during that War.[1] McConnell was flying in the area of St.-Quentin when two German planes shot him down on March 19, 1917. He was the last American pilot of the squadron to die under French colors before America entered the war in April 1917. Both the plane and his body were found by the French, and he was buried at the site of his death at the edge of the village of Jussy, and was later reinterred at the Lafayette Escadrille memorial near Paris upon his father's wishes. McConnell was commemorated with a plaque by the French Government and a statue by Gutzon Borglum at the University of Virginia, as well as an obelisk on the court square of his home town of Carthage, North Carolina.

The J.F. Cole House in the Carthage Historic District, J.C. Black House, Daniel Blue House, Bruce-Dowd-Kennedy House, Carthage Historic District, Alexander Kelly House, and Moore County Courthouse are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.9 sqmi, of which, 5.8 sqmi of it is land and 0.04 sqmi of it (0.68%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,775 people, 967 households, and 497 families residing in the town. Carthage is currently growing at a rate of 1.58% annually and its population has increased by 19.50% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 2,205 in 2010. Spanning over 7 miles, Carthage has a population density of 397 people per square mile.

The average household income in Carthage is $59,183 with a poverty rate of 11.67%. The median rental costs in recent years comes to $727 per month, and the median house value is $173,900. The median age in Carthage is 43.3 years, 37.5 years for males, and 47.5 years for females.

Notable people

 * Lucean Arthur Headen (1879–1957), African-American aviator, inventor, and entrepreneur
 * U.S. President Andrew Johnson lived in the Town of Carthage during his teenage years
 * Mable Parker McLean (1922–2012), academic administrator

2009 shooting
On March 29, 2009, a man named Robert Stewart shot and killed eight people and wounded two others at the Pinelake Health and Rehab Center of Carthage. Seven of the victims were elderly patients, with ages ranging from 75 to 98 years old. The eighth was a 39-year-old registered nurse who worked at the facility. The gunman, Robert Stewart, exchanged gunfire with a local police officer, wounding him in the leg before he himself was wounded and taken to a nearby medical facility.

title: Carthage, North Carolina


text:
Foxfire, North Carolina

Foxfire is a village in Moore County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 902 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.9 sqmi, of which 2.9 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi  (2.05%) is water.

Foxfire is one of the few incorporated areas of North Carolina that does not host any primary numbered state highways (0–999).

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,288 people, 646 households, and 402 families residing in the village.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 474 people, 222 households, and 172 families residing in the village. The population density was 165.4 PD/sqmi. There were 324 housing units at an average density of 113.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.31% White, 1.27% African American and 0.42% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.05% of the population.

There were 222 households, out of which 12.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.9% were married couples living together, 2.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% were non-families. 19.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.40.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 11.0% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 15.4% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 47.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 64 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $54,750, and the median income for a family was $60,625. Males had a median income of $51,042 versus $24,643 for females. The per capita income for the village was $29,030. About 1.7% of families and 1.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen or sixty-five or over.

title: Foxfire, North Carolina


text:
Pinebluff, North Carolina

Pinebluff is a town in Moore County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,337 at the 2010 census.

History
Pinebluff was once a regional resort area during the early 1900s, enjoying even greater renown than Pinehurst Resort at the time. After an uncontrollable fire, the town was permanently damaged, and is currently a small residential area. As of 1909, Pinebluff was a sundown town, where African Americans were not allowed to live or stay overnight. The Lincoln Park School and McLeod Family Rural Complex are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.4 square miles (6.2 km$2$), of which 2.4 square miles (6.2 km$2$) is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1 km$2$)  (1.24%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,473 people, 663 households, and 464 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,109 people, 449 households, and 315 families residing in the town. The population density was 464.5 PD/sqmi. There were 481 housing units at an average density of 201.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 89.54% White, 7.39% African American, 0.72% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.72% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.17% of the population.

There were 449 households, out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $40,536, and the median income for a family was $47,500. Males had a median income of $30,813 versus $24,167 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,786. About 8.7% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.9% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Pinebluff, North Carolina