Kings Mountain: The Queen City’s Best Nature Spot

Published: 08/23/2011

by Madeline Ashleigh

Kings Mountain embraces as its vision and theme: “Active, Healthy, Historic,” a phrase which accurately describes the city, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Greenville, South Carolina, and Charlotte, NC. The city takes its name from the Battle of Kings Mountain, which is one of the most important battles in American history, dubbed the turning point of the American Revolution in the South.

 

Kings Mountain’s first citizen was W.A. Mauney. He was the first person to set up a home and open a store, and also served as the area’s first postmaster. An entrepreneur and pioneer, Mauney spearheaded the Kings Mountain banking business and was the builder of the area’s first cotton mill. Kings Mountain was officially incorporated in 1874.

 

Interstate 85 and Highway 74 run straight through the city, providing easy access to Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. Early industries in Kings Mountain were based on textiles. Though the textile industry is still rich today, transportation and the three Industrial Parks located in the area have also contributed to the growth and development of businesses there. Agriculture also contributes significantly to the economy, with major crops such as fescue, cotton, tomatoes, alfalfa, and summer squash, along with apples, peaches and various greenhouse crops, in abundance. Beef cattle, dairy, broilers and turkey comprise the animal side of farming.

 

Nearby attractions include two state parks – Kings Mountain State Park and Crowders Mountain State Park, both located five minutes from the center of town – along with the Kings Mountain National Military Park. There is also an indoor natatorium, and a new multi-million dollar Junior Olympic Swimming Pool and Sports Complex. Two of the best and most well known universities in the Queen City – Gardner Webb University and The University of North Carolina at Charlotte – are located within an hour’s driving distance.

 

Kings Mountain National Military Park is the preserved site of the original American Revolution battle. A great place for history lovers and nature lovers to visit, this park offers a rich piece of American history among miles of walking trails, hiking trails, horse trails and a backcountry campsite. Charlotte, NC is proud to be the home of this renowned site.

 

Likewise, Kings Mountain State Park offers miles of trails, campgrounds, two fishing lakes with boat rentals and the Living History Farm – a realistic depiction of a typical 17th century Piedmont farm.

 

Crowders Mountain State Park is the site of Crowders Mountain, the second highest peak in Gaston County. For breathtaking views of nature, visitors can hike many miles of trails, camp out or enjoy rock climbing and water sports.