Southmont, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Southmont, North Carolina
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 Southmont, North Carolina
Location in North Carolina
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Davidson |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.56 sq mi (17.00 km2) |
| • Land | 4.56 sq mi (11.81 km2) |
| • Water | 2.00 sq mi (5.18 km2) |
| Elevation | 712 ft (217 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,563 |
| • Density | 342.69/sq mi (132.30/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
27351
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| FIPS code | 37-63360 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2628657 |
Southmont is a small community in Davidson County, North Carolina, USA. It is called a "census-designated place" (CDP), which means it's a special area used for counting people. In 2010, about 1,470 people lived there.
Southmont is located along North Carolina State Highway 8. It sits on the northern side of High Rock Lake. People in the community are working to make Southmont an official town called "The Village of Southmont."
Contents
How Many People Live in Southmont?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 1,563 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The number of people living in Southmont changes over time. In 2020, the population was 1,563. This information comes from the official United States Census.
Southmont's Story: A Look Back
Early Days and First Post Office
Southmont began in 1883. It was first called "Fairmont." A post office was approved for the community. Samuel S. Peacock was the first postmaster. He worked there from April 19, 1883, until the post office closed on August 30, 1906.
The post office was inside a country store. This store was run by Mr. Hedrick. It was near where the railroad crosses Highway 8 today. However, the community did not grow much in its first 10 years. The store closed, and the post office shut down.
Becoming Southmont: A New Name
Around the early 1900s, a new store opened in the same spot. People tried to reopen the post office. But the postmaster general said no. This was because another community had already taken the name "Fairmont."
So, the name "Southmont" was chosen instead. A new post office was approved on March 11, 1911. Meriles S. A. Michaels became the new postmaster. A small village started to grow around the crossroads. This was where the new Winston-Salem Southbound Railway line crossed the road to Lexington.
Growth and Challenges in the 1920s
By the 1920s, Southmont was growing. It had several stores. It also had the county's first large brick school. There were different churches, including Baptist and Methodist churches. Businesses like the Star Furniture Company and the Wall Lumber Company were also active. A hotel in town was doing well for a while. Dr. Alvin York even started a medical practice there.
Changes with High Rock Lake and the Great Depression
In 1926, High Rock Lake was created. This changed many bridges and roads. The railroad tracks were raised. The way people crossed the river also changed. Other roads had to be moved because the land was different.
At the same time, the Great Depression hit. This was a very hard time for the country. Because of these two big changes, much of Southmont struggled. Many businesses closed. However, the school and churches stayed open.
Fires destroyed the two main industries and the famous hotel building. By the early 1950s, people traveled less by train. So, the train station closed down.
Modern Southmont: Rebuilding and Growth
The Southmont Volunteer Fire Department started in 1958. A new school, Central Davidson High School, opened. Students from Southmont High School now went to CDHS. The old Southmont school became for grades 1-8. In the early 1960s, people began building summer homes near High Rock Lake. In 1967, schools in the area became racially integrated.
In 1972, a temporary middle school was created. It used an old school building. This school brought together 8th graders from different areas. In 1979, Highway 8 was closed for almost two years for bridge repairs. During this time, it was discovered that mercury from a battery plant upstream had polluted parts of the lake.
Again, businesses closed. The school closed in 1981. Its students moved to a new school called Southwood.
Over the last 10 years, Southmont has started to grow again. There are many new small businesses. A new school and post office have opened. Churches have expanded. There is a new fire station. Many local groups are active. The population around the lake areas in Southmont has grown a lot.
See also
