A Rich History

Incorporated on February 11, 1874, Kings Mountain takes its name from the historical Revolutionary battle fought five miles south, thus bringing meaning to our motto "The Historical City." This battle was very important in early American history, being proclaimed "the turning point of the American Revolution" by Thomas Jefferson.

First Settler
W.A. Mauney was the first citizen of Kings Mountain. He was the first man to establish a home, opened the first store, was the first postmaster, builder of the first cotton mill and pioneered in the banking business of that general section. W.A. Mauney also cut many paths and roads through the wilderness.

Transportation
In 1870-72 the building of the Charlotte-Atlanta Airline Railway was the impetus for the founding of the City of Kings Mountain. Farmers had no vision of turning the land into town lots or industrial sites, but men of other parts of the county and adjacent areas saw the possibilities for development. Freno Dilling moved his sawmill from Cherryville to the site of the present Kings Mill on N Piedmont Avenue in May 1872. The first railroad track was laid in the fall of that same year. The Dilling sawmill supplied some of the cross ties and his well furnished water to the railroad engines.

Today Interstate 85 and U.S. Highway (and future Interstate) 74 run through the City, making Kings Mountain ideally located for transportation needs of its many businesses. Kings Mountain industries were firmly based on textiles in the early years, but transportation, along with four established Industrial Parks have diversified the business climate. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is nearby, giving us a virtual lifeline to the World.

The location and history not only makes Kings Mountain unique but also the City owns and operates the utilities of Gas, Electric, Water and Sewer, providing one-stop shopping convenience for those requiring our services.

Education
Gardner Webb University is only a thirty minute drive and UNCC is forty five minutes away. Both schools are four year degree institutions offering excellent masters and doctorate programs.

Recreation
An indoor natatorium, The Gateway Trail and the Jake Early Sports Complex offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. The City owns John Henry Moss Lake, which not only provides recreational activities, but also provides Kings Mountain's water supply.

With the Kings Mountain National Military Park, and two state parks within a five minute drive from the center of town, we have the opportunity of enjoying nature as well as the history of our area. Over one million visitors pass through these parks each year.

We are blessed to live in a historic town where it is your choice to become active and healthy. The theme "Active, Healthy and Historic Kings Mountain" is both a challenge and a vision that we can achieve together!