Patterson Springs, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patterson Springs, North Carolina
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Welcome sign along S. Post Rd. (NC 180)
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Location of Patterson Springs, North Carolina
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Cleveland |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.03 sq mi (2.66 km2) |
| • Land | 1.03 sq mi (2.66 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 571 |
| • Density | 556.53/sq mi (214.81/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
28150
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| Area code(s) | 704 |
| FIPS code | 37-50700 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2407081 |
Patterson Springs is a small town located in Cleveland County, North Carolina, in the United States. In 2020, about 571 people lived there. The town is known for its interesting history, especially its natural springs.
Contents
History of Patterson Springs
Patterson Springs started as a small farming area called "Swangs." It had only a train station and a post office.
The Healing Springs
A man named William George Patterson bought land that had three natural springs. He hoped the water from these springs would help his son, Billy, who was not very healthy.
News about the springs' special powers spread quickly. People believed the water could help them feel better. Because of this, Patterson built a large resort with 30 to 40 rooms. This resort welcomed travelers and merchants from places like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
When guests were not at the springs, they could play lawn bowling. There was also a dance every Saturday night.
Name Change and Growth
In 1885, the name "Swangs" caused confusion for the railroad workers. They asked the post office to change the name to Patterson Springs, and the government agreed.
In 1915, a school building was built for all eleven grades. Another school was built in 1923 for grades one through eight. High school students went to No. 3 High School.
Changes Over Time
In the 1960s, the post office in Patterson Springs closed. Then, in the 1970s, both schools also closed. The old train station no longer exists today.
Most students from the area now attend Township No. 3 Elementary School, Crest High School, or Pinnacle Classical Academy.
Geography of Patterson Springs
Patterson Springs covers an area of about 1.03 square miles (2.66 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
The town is located where two state highways, NC 180 and NC 226, meet at their southern end.
People of Patterson Springs
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1980 | 731 | — | |
| 1990 | 690 | −5.6% | |
| 2000 | 620 | −10.1% | |
| 2010 | 622 | 0.3% | |
| 2020 | 571 | −8.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 620 people living in Patterson Springs. These people lived in 254 households, and 169 of these were families.
Most people in the town were White (95.48%). A smaller number were African American (3.23%) or Native American (0.16%). About 1.13% of people were from two or more racial backgrounds. Around 0.81% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
Households and Families
About 32.3% of households had children under 18 living with them. More than half (52.8%) were married couples living together. About 8.3% of households had a female head with no husband present.
The average household had 2.44 people. The average family had 2.95 people.
Age Groups
The population was spread out by age. About 24.4% of the people were under 18 years old. About 9.0% were between 18 and 24. The largest group, 33.5%, was between 25 and 44 years old.
About 24.4% were between 45 and 64, and 8.7% were 65 years or older. The average age in the town was 35 years.
Economy of Patterson Springs
The main employer in Patterson Springs is a company called Ticona. Ticona is a German company that makes polymers, which are materials used in many products.
Ticona has a large facility (a factory or plant) near Patterson Springs. Even though the company might say the facility is in Shelby for mail, it is actually located very close to Patterson Springs.
