Mountain Island, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mountain Island, North Carolina
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Location of Mountain Island, North Carolina
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  North Carolina |
| County | Gaston County |
| Founded | 1848 |
| Incorporated | 1891 (inactive) |
| Named for | An island in the Catawba River |
| Elevation | 709 ft (216 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 704 |
| GNIS feature ID | 990700 |
Mountain Island is a small community in eastern Gaston County, North Carolina, in the United States. It is not an official town or city, but a place where people live. It is about 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Mount Holly. Sometimes, people confuse it with a neighborhood in Charlotte that has a similar name.
The community gets its name from a small island in Mountain Island Lake. This lake is on the border of Gaston and Mecklenburg counties. The island is mostly used for fun activities like picnicking, camping, and other outdoor recreation.
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Early History of Mountain Island
The First Cotton Mill
In 1848, a cotton mill was built on Mountain Island. Many people believe this was the very first cotton mill in Gaston County. Two men, Thomas R. Tate and Henry Humphreys, started it. They already owned a mill near Greensboro, North Carolina.
They wanted to use the cheaper power from the Catawba River instead of steam. The spot they chose had a partly finished canal that could be used to power the mill. It also had a steep island that now rises from the lake.
Moving the Machinery
In 1849, the heavy machinery from their old mill was moved to Mountain Island. It was a big job, as it had to be pulled by mules in wagons. Soon after, the new mill started working. A small village of brick houses grew up around the mill for the workers.
The Great Flood of 1916
Sadly, on July 15, 1916, a huge flood destroyed the mill and the village. A hurricane caused the flood, which swept away everything.
Mountain Island Hydroelectric Plant
Building the Dam
After the flood, a new project began. In 1920, a company called Rinehart and Dennis started building a dam at Mountain Island. This dam was for the Duke Power Company. Its purpose was to use the river's water power to make electricity.
Housing for Workers
To house all the workers, many temporary wooden houses were built. Just seven years after the devastating flood, in 1923, the Mountain Island Hydroelectric Plant was finished. It started making electricity right away.
Today, the Mountain Island Dam and Hydroelectric Station are still working. They continue to provide power to the area.
Historic Church
St. Joseph's Catholic Church is an important building in Mountain Island. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means it is recognized as a special place in history.
Images for kids
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Location of Mountain Island, North Carolina
