Cabarrus County, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cabarrus County
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Old Cabarrus County Courthouse
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| Motto(s):
"America Thrives Here"
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Location within the U.S. state of North Carolina
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 North Carolina's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  North Carolina |
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| Founded | 1792 | ||||
| Named for | Stephen Cabarrus | ||||
| Seat | Concord | ||||
| Largest community | Concord | ||||
| Area | |||||
| • Total | 363.93 sq mi (942.6 km2) | ||||
| • Land | 361.23 sq mi (935.6 km2) | ||||
| • Water | 2.70 sq mi (7.0 km2) 0.74% | ||||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 225,804 | ||||
| • Estimate
(2024)
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244,925  |
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| • Density | 620.460/sq mi (239.561/km2) | ||||
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) | ||||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | ||||
| Congressional districts | 6th, 8th | ||||
Cabarrus County (pronounced kuh-BAIR-us) is a county in the south-central part of North Carolina, USA. It is a vibrant place with a rich history. As of the 2020 census, about 225,804 people lived here. This makes it the 9th most populated county in North Carolina. The main town and county seat is Concord, which became a town in 1803.
Cabarrus County is famous for being the site of the first gold discovery in America. This happened in 1799! The Reed Gold Mine became a very important place. It even led to a gold rush in the early 1800s. Over time, the county also became known for its textile mills. These mills processed cotton and helped the local economy grow. One special mill, the Coleman Manufacturing Company, was started in 1897. It is believed to be the first cotton mill in the nation owned and run by African Americans.
Contents
History of Cabarrus County
How Cabarrus County Began
Cabarrus County was officially created on December 29, 1792. It was formed from a part of Mecklenburg County. The county is in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. It was named after Stephen Cabarrus. He was an important speaker in the North Carolina government.
Early Settlers and the Founding of Concord
Before European settlers arrived, Catawba Indians lived in this area. Around 1750, many new people moved in. Germans settled in the eastern part of the county. Scotch-Irish families settled in the western part. When it was time to choose a county seat, these groups had trouble agreeing.
Stephen Cabarrus encouraged everyone to work together peacefully. In 1796, a central spot was chosen. It was named Concord, which means "with peace" in French. This name showed the hope for unity among the settlers. The town of Concord officially began in 1806.
The First Gold Discovery in America
In 1799, a young boy named Conrad Reed made an amazing discovery. He was playing in Little Meadow Creek. He found a large, heavy rock. It turned out to be a huge piece of gold! It weighed about 17 pounds.
Conrad's father, John Reed, didn't know its value at first. He sold it for a very small amount. Later, he learned it was worth much more. This discovery started America's first gold rush. People flocked to the area hoping to find gold.
John Reed, originally from Germany, had come to America as a soldier. He later settled in North Carolina and became a farmer. He developed both surface and underground mining on his land. His mine became known as Reed's Gold Mine. It produced a lot of gold. This gold was so important that the U.S. government built the Charlotte Mint. This mint helped control the gold supply and make new money. Today, the Reed Gold Mine is a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can even explore some of its old tunnels.
The Cabarrus Black Boys: Early Patriots
In the years before the American Revolution, some people in North Carolina were unhappy. They didn't like the taxes and fees imposed by the British government. A group of brave men from the area, known as the "Black Boys of Cabarrus," took action.
On May 9, 1771, these patriots disguised themselves. They raided a British convoy carrying gunpowder and supplies. They destroyed some of the supplies. Some wore disguises, while others had faces blackened by gunpowder. This gave them their unique name. These young patriots continued to work secretly for freedom.
Important African American Businesses
Before the Civil War, many African Americans lived in the county as enslaved people. After the war, new opportunities arose. The Coleman Manufacturing Company was a very important step for African American business owners. It was founded in 1897 by Warren Clay Coleman and other leaders. They wanted to create economic opportunities for people of color.
However, around 1898, the African American community in Wilmington faced difficult times. These challenges caused many people, including some of the company's founders, to move away. This made it harder for businesses like Coleman Manufacturing to grow as planned. Even so, the company's vision for economic success was strong. The Coleman-Franklin-Cannon Mill was recognized for its historical importance in 2015.
Historic Places to Visit
Cabarrus County has several buildings and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These places help us remember the past.
- The old Cabarrus County Courthouse was built in 1876. It is a beautiful historic building.
- The Coleman-Franklin-Cannon Mill is important. It was the first cotton mill owned and run by African Americans.
- The Bethel Church Arbor is another historic site. It dates back to the early 1800s. It was a place for large religious gatherings.
Geography and Nature
Where is Cabarrus County?
Cabarrus County is in the gently rolling hills of the Carolina Piedmont. There are no very high mountains here. The eastern part of the county has some small hills. These are the western edges of the Uwharrie Mountains. The land is generally between 500 and 800 feet above sea level.
Rivers and Lakes
No large rivers flow through the county. The Rocky River is the longest waterway. It starts in Iredell County and flows into the Pee Dee River. The county also has several creeks and lakes. These include Lake Concord and Lake Fisher.
Weather in Cabarrus County
The weather here is generally mild. Summers are hot, and winters are mild to chilly. Thunderstorms can happen in warmer months. Sometimes, there are ice storms or snowfalls in winter. On average, the county gets about 4 inches of snow and 46 inches of rain each year.
Protected Natural Areas
Cabarrus County has places where nature is protected.
- Buffalo Creek Preserve
- Reed Gold Mine (also a historical site)
- Pharr Family Preserve Trail
Nearby Counties
Cabarrus County shares borders with these counties:
- Rowan County – to the north
- Stanly County – to the east
- Union County – to the south
- Mecklenburg County – to the west-southwest
- Iredell County – to the north
People and Culture
Population Growth
Cabarrus County has grown a lot over the years. In 1800, there were just over 5,000 people. By 2020, the population had grown to over 225,000! This shows how many people have chosen to make Cabarrus County their home.
Diversity in Cabarrus County
The county is home to a diverse group of people. Many residents are of European descent, with roots in places like Germany, Scotland, Ireland, and England. There is also a significant African American population. In recent years, the number of Asian and Hispanic or Latino residents has also grown. This mix of cultures makes Cabarrus County a rich and interesting place.
Religious Life
Most people in Cabarrus County follow Protestant Christian faiths. There are also two Catholic churches. A small Jewish synagogue, Temple Or Olam, is located here. Other religious groups, like Eastern Orthodox and Islamic congregations, can be found in nearby Charlotte.
How Cabarrus County is Governed
Cabarrus County is run by a group called the Board of Commissioners. This board has five members. They are elected by the people of the county. These commissioners make important decisions about how the county operates. A "County Manager" helps manage the daily activities.
When it comes to politics, Cabarrus County has mostly voted for Republican presidential candidates since 1948. However, in the 2024 election, a Democratic candidate won the county for governor. This was the first time a Democrat won a gubernatorial election here since 1980.
Getting Around and Staying Connected
Roads and Travel
Several major roads pass through Cabarrus County. Interstate 85 is a big highway that goes through the northern part. Other important roads include U.S. highways 29, 52, and 601.
For air travel, the Concord-Padgett Regional Airport is located near Concord. For bigger flights, people can go to Charlotte Douglas International Airport or Piedmont Triad International Airport. You can also travel by train from Kannapolis using Amtrak.
Communication Services
Most homes in the county have phone and internet services. Cable television is also widely available. Cabarrus County is part of the larger Charlotte area for TV and radio broadcasts.
Major Highways
I-85
US 29
US 52
US 601
NC 3
NC 24
NC 27
NC 49
NC 73
NC 200
Important Transportation Hubs
- Concord-Padgett Regional Airport
Learning and Education
Schools in Cabarrus County
The Cabarrus County Schools system serves most of the county. Parts of Kannapolis have their own school system, Kannapolis City Schools. Both systems are known for good student achievement.
Colleges and Libraries
Cabarrus County is home to several colleges. These include Barber-Scotia College and the Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. There is also a branch of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. UNC Charlotte is nearby and easy to reach. The Cabarrus County Public Library system has five locations. They offer books and resources for everyone.
Healthcare Services
For medical needs, Atrium Health Cabarrus is located in Concord. It has a 24-hour emergency department and a trauma center. This ensures that essential medical services are available to residents.
Local News and Media
The local newspaper is the Concord-Kannapolis Independent Tribune. It is available in print and online. The Weekly Post is another local newspaper. Radio station WEGO 1410 AM plays music from the 60s and 70s.
Fun Things to Do
Cabarrus County has many fun places to visit!
- The Reed Gold Mine is a must-see. You can learn about the first gold discovery in the U.S.
- The Concord Mills Mall is a huge shopping center. It has many stores and restaurants.
- The Great Wolf Lodge is a popular resort. It has a large indoor water park. It is located near Concord Mills.
NASCAR Racing Hub
Cabarrus County is a very important place for NASCAR racing.
- Charlotte Motor Speedway is located here. It hosts major NASCAR events every year.
- There's also The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The zMAX Dragway hosts NHRA drag racing events.
- Many famous race teams have their shops in the county. These include Hendrick Motorsports and RFK Racing.
- A special wind tunnel called Windshear opened in 2008. It helps racing teams test their cars' aerodynamics.
Communities in Cabarrus County
Cities
- Concord (This is the county seat and the largest city.)
- Kannapolis (Most of this city is in Cabarrus County.)
- Locust (Part of this city is in Cabarrus County.)
Towns
- Davidson (Small parts are in Cabarrus County.)
- Harrisburg
- Midland
- Mount Pleasant
Townships
The county is also divided into twelve townships:
- Harrisburg
- Poplar Tent
- Odell
- Kannapolis
- New Gilead
- Rimertown
- Gold Hill
- Mt Pleasant
- Georgeville
- Midland
- Central Cabarrus
- Concord
Unincorporated Communities
These are smaller communities that are not officially cities or towns:
- Fisher Town
- Georgeville
- Odell School
- Rimertown
- Rocky River
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Cabarrus para niños
