Mount Gilead, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mount Gilead, North Carolina
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Downtown Mount Gilead
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| Motto(s):
"Small Town. Big Ideas. Lots to do."
"Surrounded by nature - forests, lakes, rivers...Embedded with culture, history..." |
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Location of Mount Gilead, North Carolina
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| Country | United States | |
| State | North Carolina | |
| County | Montgomery | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 3.49 sq mi (9.04 km2) | |
| • Land | 3.49 sq mi (9.04 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) | |
| Elevation | 410 ft (120 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,171 | |
| • Density | 335.53/sq mi (129.56/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | |
| ZIP code |
27306
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| Area codes | 910, 472 | |
| FIPS code | 37-44900 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 2406206 | |
| Website | www.mtgileadnc.com | |
Mount Gilead is a town located in Montgomery County, in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, United States. In 2020, about 1,171 people lived there. The town's motto highlights its connection to nature and its rich history and culture.
Contents
About the Town's Location
Mount Gilead covers a total area of about 3.3 square miles (8.5 square kilometers). All of this area is land, meaning there are no large bodies of water like lakes or rivers within the town limits.
Who Lives in Mount Gilead?
In 2020, there were 1,171 people living in Mount Gilead. These people made up 476 households and 273 families.
Population Changes Over Time
The number of people living in Mount Gilead has changed over the years.
- In 1900, there were 395 residents.
- By 1950, the population grew to 1,201.
- In 2010, the population was 1,181.
- The most recent count in 2020 showed 1,171 people.
A Look at the Community in 2020
The people living in Mount Gilead come from many different backgrounds.
- About 48.68% of the residents were White (not Hispanic).
- About 43.21% were Black or African American (not Hispanic).
- Smaller groups included Native American, Asian, and people of mixed races.
- About 1.45% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Mount Gilead's Past
Ancient History of the Area
Long ago, from about 980 to 1150 CE, the Pee Dee culture lived in this region. They were part of the Southern Appalachian Mississippian culture. These ancient people built large earth mounds and other structures. One important site is Town Creek Indian Mound, which is now a National Historic Landmark. It is the only Native American site in North Carolina to have this special recognition.
How the Town Was Settled
Mount Gilead officially became a town in 1899. This happened when textile mills, which made fabric from cotton, were built in the Piedmont area. These mills provided many jobs and helped the region grow. However, in recent times, many textile jobs moved to other countries. This caused Mount Gilead, like many small towns, to face economic challenges and a decrease in population.
Historic Places and Sites
Mount Gilead is proud of its history. The town's Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. This means its old buildings and areas are recognized as important. The town has also received grants to help improve its downtown area and create new jobs.
The Mount Gilead Museum is a great place to learn about the town's past. It is located in a beautiful old Victorian house that once belonged to the McAulay family, who were very important in the town's business and community life. The museum has many old documents, photos, and items that tell Mount Gilead's story.
Downtown Mount Gilead is also home to a special "Moon Tree" at the Mount Gilead Community Garden. This tree is a loblolly pine grown from seeds that traveled to the moon on NASA's Artemis I mission in 2022! It was planted in June 2024 and reminds everyone of humanity's amazing journey into space.
Famous People from Mount Gilead
- Oscar Haywood: He lived in a plantation house in Mount Gilead and is buried in the town's Sharon Cemetery.
- Julius L. Chambers: Born in Mount Gilead in 1936, he became a very important civil rights attorney. He studied law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Columbia University.
Arts and Culture in Town
Mount Gilead has a lively arts scene. The Piedmont Center of the Arts and The Ford Place Restaurant, Pub & Special Events Center were created to support local artists and provide community spaces.
- Piedmont Center of the Arts: This center has a wood-turning artist who teaches classes, the office for the Mount Gilead Arts Guild, a shop where local artists can sell their work, and even a clock repair shop.
- The Ford Place Restaurant: This restaurant is in an old Ford car dealership. You can see much of the town's history displayed on the walls and under glass on the tables.
Many local artists show their work at the arts complex.
Music and Community Radio
- Mount Gilead Community Concerts Association (MGCCA): This group brings different musical artists to the town. They often arrange for these artists to perform for local school students.
- Mount Gilead Community Choir: Since 1995, this group of volunteer singers has performed annual concerts, including a special Christmas concert every December.
- Community Radio WMTG-LP (88.1 FM): This local radio station broadcasts 24 hours a day. It plays a mix of oldies and modern music and shares important local announcements. WMTG is also supported by the MGCCA.
See also
In Spanish: Mount Gilead (Carolina del Norte) para niños
