High Shoals, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
High Shoals, North Carolina
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Location of HighShoals, North Carolina
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  North Carolina |
| County | Gaston |
| Incorporated | November 6, 1973 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.66 sq mi (6.88 km2) |
| • Land | 2.60 sq mi (6.74 km2) |
| • Water | 0.06 sq mi (0.14 km2) |
| Elevation | 715 ft (218 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 595 |
| • Density | 228.67/sq mi (88.28/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
28077
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| Area code(s) | 704 |
| FIPS code | 37-31440 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2405829 |
High Shoals is a small city located in Gaston County, North Carolina, United States. It gets its name from the tall, rocky areas (called shoals) found across the nearby Catawba River. In 2010, about 700 people lived there.
Contents
History of High Shoals
Early Iron Production
High Shoals was once home to the High Shoals Iron Works. This important factory was started around 1795 by Swiss-born John Fulenwider. He developed a new way to make pig iron using a process that involved charcoal. Pig iron is a basic type of iron that can be used to make other iron products.
During the War of 1812, Fulenwider's ironworks played a key role. They produced cannonballs for the United States Army. John Fulenwider passed away in 1826 and is buried in the High Shoals cemetery. His ironworks continued to operate for many years, finally closing in 1875.
From Mill Town to City
Later, in the late 1800s, the entire community of High Shoals became owned by High Shoals Mills. This was a textile company started by Charlotte businessman Daniel A. Tompkins. Textile companies make fabric and clothing.
Over time, the houses owned by the mill were sold to private families. High Shoals officially became an incorporated city on November 6, 1973. It was the most recent town in Gaston County to become an official municipality.
Geography of High Shoals
Land and Water Features
High Shoals covers a total area of about 6.9 square kilometers (2.66 square miles). Most of this area, about 6.7 square kilometers (2.60 square miles), is land. A smaller part, about 0.1 square kilometers (0.06 square miles), is water.
The South Fork Catawba River flows right through High Shoals. This river is a major natural feature of the area.
Local Watersheds
Areas to the northeast of the river are part of the Hoyle Creek watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common point, like a river or lake. Areas southwest of the river are in the Beaverdam Creek watershed. Sulfur Branch is another stream that flows through the western part of High Shoals and joins the South Fork River.
Most of High Shoals is located within Dallas Township. However, a small western part of the city is in Cherryville Township.
Population of High Shoals
Population Changes Over Time
The number of people living in High Shoals has changed over the years.
- In 1980, there were 586 residents.
- By 1990, the population grew slightly to 605.
- In 2000, it reached 729 people.
- The 2010 census recorded 696 residents.
- Most recently, in 2020, the population was 595.
Age Distribution
In 2000, the population of High Shoals was spread out across different age groups. About 29.2% of residents were under 18 years old. Around 8.9% were between 18 and 24, and 34.6% were between 25 and 44. People aged 45 to 64 made up 17.7% of the population, and 9.6% were 65 years or older. The average age in the town was 31 years.
Education in High Shoals
Public School System
Public schools in High Shoals are managed by the Gaston County Schools system. There used to be an elementary school right in High Shoals. However, High Shoals Elementary closed in 1998. It combined with Costner Elementary School, which is located near Dallas, North Carolina.
Current School Attendance Zones
Today, most students from High Shoals attend Costner Elementary School. A small part of the eastern side of town is in the attendance zone for Springfield Elementary School (for grades K-2) and Kiser Elementary School (for grades 3-5). Both of these schools are in Stanley.
After elementary school, all students from High Shoals go on to W.C. Friday Middle School. They then attend North Gaston High School. Both the middle and high schools are located in Dallas.
Religious Life in High Shoals
High Shoals is home to several churches. These include First Baptist Church, New Heights Baptist Church, High Shoals Church of God, and Riverview True Holiness Church of God.
See also
In Spanish: High Shoals (Carolina del Norte) para niños
