Hiddenite, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hiddenite, North Carolina
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 Hiddenite, North Carolina
Location in North Carolina
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Alexander |
| Incorporated | 1913 (inactive) |
| Named for | William Hidden |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.60 sq mi (4.14 km2) |
| • Land | 1.59 sq mi (4.12 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,093 ft (333 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 507 |
| • Density | 318.87/sq mi (123.15/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
28636
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| FIPS code | 37-31260 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2628635 |
Hiddenite is a small community in Alexander County, North Carolina, in the United States. It is called a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's an area that the government counts for population, but it's not officially a town or city. In 2020, about 507 people lived there. Hiddenite is part of a larger area that includes cities like Hickory and Lenoir.
Contents
History of Hiddenite
The community of Hiddenite was officially made a town in 1913. However, this status was removed in 1919. Hiddenite got its name from a man named William Earl Hidden. He was a mineralogist, someone who studies minerals.
The Discovery of Hiddenite Gem
William Earl Hidden was sent to North Carolina by the famous inventor Thomas Edison. Edison wanted him to search for platinum. Instead, in 1879, Hidden found a special gem. This gem was later named "hiddenite" after him. For a long time, this gem was only found in Alexander County, North Carolina. But in recent years, it has also been found in places like Madagascar and Brazil.
Gem Mining and Other Stones
The Hiddenite Gem Mines and nearby areas are famous for more than just hiddenite. You can also find beautiful emeralds, sapphires, and many other precious stones there. Many visitors come to Hiddenite to search for these gems. They use methods like "sluicing" (washing gravel to find gems) and digging. It's a popular and fun activity!
From White Plains to Health Resort
Before William Earl Hidden arrived, the community was known as White Plains. This name appeared on maps from 1871. Hiddenite was also once known as a health resort. This was because it had special sulfur springs. People believed the water from these springs was good for their health.
Hiddenite is about 1,093 feet (333 meters) above sea level. The community is also known for raising poultry, like chickens. The Lucas Mansion, an important historical building, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Geography and Location
Hiddenite covers an area of about 1.6 square miles (4.1 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a very small amount of water. The community is located along North Carolina Highway 90. It's about 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of Taylorsville, which is the main town in Alexander County. Hiddenite is also about 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Statesville. A larger road, U.S. Route 64, goes around Hiddenite to the south.
In 2020, a bridge in Hiddenite broke apart. This happened during heavy rains from Tropical Storm Eta.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 507 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Hiddenite Celebration of the Arts
The Hiddenite Celebration of the Arts is a special event held every year. It takes place on the fourth Saturday in September, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This celebration invites everyone to enjoy and take part in arts and crafts from different cultures. It especially highlights the folk traditions of North Carolina. You can also see and learn about Hispanic and Hmong folkways. The event is full of fun entertainment and delicious food from around Alexander County.
The Hiddenite Half-Marathon
At the same time as the Celebration of the Arts, the annual Hiddenite Half-Marathon is held. This is a long-distance running event, covering 13.1 miles (about 21 kilometers). The race starts at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. The finish line is right in front of the historic Lucas Mansion. Anyone can join this race, and trophies are given to the winners.
Notable Person
Elbert "Yoneq" Eugene Spriggs, who founded the Twelve Tribes communities, lived in Hiddenite before he passed away. He resided at the group's Hiddenite location.
See also
In Spanish: Hiddenite (Carolina del Norte) para niños
