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 elcome to our beautiful area. Hickory epitomizes the phrase "Southern hospitality." We are rich in history and proud in heritage, yet modern in industry and economic development. The folks are friendly, and they will make you feel right at home, whether you are here for a visit or a stay.
From
our famous furniture industry to arts and history, from golf
courses to lakes, we have it all. Come see for yourself, and
see why we like calling Hickory, North Carolina home.
Following is a primer of information about Hickory and Catawba County. After that, you will find links that have been provided to present to you the most up to date and detailed information available for your special area of interest. We hope that our Classic Properties web site will be your base of information on Hickory and Catawba County, and that when you are ready to relocate here, you will call on us.
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LOCATION
Catawba County is located in the western part of North Carolina,
in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s largest city,
Hickory, is the economic and geographic center of North Carolina's
fourth largest Metropolitan Statistical Area. Hickory is approximately
70 miles east of Asheville, 50 miles northwest of Charlotte,
and 90 miles west of Greensboro. It is intersected by Interstate
40, US Hwy. 70 and US Hwy 321. While the city of Hickory is
primarily in Catawba County, the city limits extend into portions
of Burke and Caldwell Counties as well. |
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HISTORY
The area has a rich historical past, much of which is still
evident as you drive around. Many of our buildings have been
proudly preserved and offer great glimpses at our past. |
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The county of Catawba was established December 12, 1842. Most
of the early settlers were of German and Scotch-Irish descent.
Hickory Tavern was chartered in 1863, and the city of Hickory
was incorporated in 1870.
Artifacts
have been found in the area including pottery, pipes, arrowheads,
tools and carvings dating to prehistoric times. The Catawba
County Historical Museum offers wonderful exhibits and information
about our delightful and colorful history.
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CULTURE
The arts are alive and well in Hickory and Catawba County.
The Hickory Museum of Art is the second oldest museum in North
Carolina, and is known for its concentration of 19th and 20th
century American art.
The
Catawba Science Center, part of the Science Arts Literature
Together (SALT Block) in Hickory was founded in 1975 and offers
hands-on learning, permanent exhibits, and traveling exhibits
throughout the year.
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The
Hickory Community Theater is located in the old City Hall
and Fire Department, and offers wonderful performances each
season featuring local actors. A visit to the building alone
is an educational experience.
Among
our well-known local artists are woodwright Eddie Hamrick
and potter, the late Burlon Craig. Both have been nationally
recognized and have works on display in the Smithsonian. Many
fine examples of local artisans work may be found in local
galleries and shops.
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SPORTS
 The
Hickory Crawdads are a "Class A" affiliate of the
Pittsburgh Pirates, and they entertain fans seasonally in the
L. P. Frans Stadium in Winkler Park. This minor league baseball
team led the South Atlantic League in attendance during its
first year in 1993. |
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Hickory Motor Speedway has been in continuous operation for
over 50 years. It is an icon in motorcar racing, launching the
early racing careers of some of the greats, including Junior
Johnson, Ned Jarrett, Bobby Isaac, Ralph Earnhardt, the late
Dale Earnhardt, Harry Gant, and Dale Jarrett. Approximately
$2.5 million each year is added to the local economy by the
Hickory Motor Speedway. |
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RECREATION
Catawba County’s three lakes are home to many bass fishing
tournaments between March and October. Our lakes are famous
for Large Mouth Bass, White Bass and Striped Bass.
These lakes also offer wonderful outdoor recreation for
family activities such as boating, water skiing and swimming.
Lake Hickory covers 4100 acres with 104.9 miles* of shoreline.
Lake Lookout covers 1270 acres with 39.1 miles of shoreline,
and Lake Norman covers 32,510 acres with 520 miles of shoreline.
Lake Norman is the largest manmade lake in North Carolina.
Nearby Burke County offers scenic Lake James with wooded
shorelines and panoramic mountain backdrops.
*Cited: North Carolina Lake Assessment Report, Report No.
92-02, North Carolina Department of Environment, Health,
and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Management,
Water Quality Section, June 1992
The
Catawba County area also offers many opportunities to participate
in hiking, canoeing, picnicking, jogging, and cycling at any
one of the following sites: Glenn C. Hilton, Jr. Memorial
Park, Jaycee Park, Riverbend Park, and Baker's Mountain Park
just to mention a few of the many area parks.
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EDUCATION
There are 41 public schools in the county with approximately
24,000 students. There are 2 colleges: Lenoir Rhyne College,
a 102-year-old liberal arts institution and Catawba Valley Community
College. Nearby Caldwell County offers Caldwell Community College
and Technical Institute. These community colleges provide an
excellent array of educational offerings to the adult population.
Also available are various private schools for all grade levels. |
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CLIMATE
Its location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains exerts
a strong influence on the county climate and ambiance. The county
is sheltered by mountains that moderate the winter temperatures
and provide refreshing summer breezes. Elevation ranges from
705 to 1780 feet with an average of 995 feet. The average year
round temperature is 68.8 with an average annual rainfall of
49 inches. |
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INDUSTRY
Hickory/Catawba County is the center of a heavily industrialized
area, and is known worldwide as a furniture manufacturing center.
Its traditional industries of furniture, hosiery and textiles
have been joined by higher tech industries such as fiber optics
and telecommunications cable. A multi-million dollar agricultural
industry adds to the diversity of our area's businesses. |
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POPULATION, STATISTICS,
ECONOMICS
 Catawba
County’s population as of July 1, 2002, including the inhabitants
of its 8 municipalities was estimated at 146,690+. The Hickory
Metropolitan statistical area is the fourth largest in the
state, with a population of approximately 342,000. The Hickory
MSA is corporate headquarters of 40 firms with at least 500
employees and $500 million in sales.
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