Shelby, County seat in Cleveland County, North Carolina, US
Description
This county seat sits in the Piedmont region of southwestern North Carolina at an elevation of around 870 feet (265 m). The town spreads across roughly 21 square miles (55 km²) with residential neighborhoods, business streets, and parks.
History
The settlement received its charter in 1843 and took its name from Colonel Isaac Shelby, who fought at the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. During the 1920s, a cotton boom transformed the place into a center of textile production.
Culture
Textile mills shaped daily life for decades and created a working neighborhood with closely spaced homes and community stores. Renovated brick buildings from that era now house shops and offices and remind visitors of the region's industrial growth.
Practical
The regional airport sits north of town and serves smaller private planes. U.S. Route 74 runs through the area and connects it to Gastonia in the east and Rutherfordton in the west.
Did you know?
Several influential politicians from this small town, including governors and senators, shaped North Carolina state politics in the 20th century. This group later became known as the Shelby Dynasty and demonstrated the surprising political power of a remote rural center.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Cleveland County).
Webbley
158 m
Cleveland County Courthouse
374 m
Historic Campbell Building
508 m
James Heyward Hull House
1.3 km
Banker's House
821 m
Double Shoals Cotton Mill
10.3 km
Masonic Temple Building
740 m
Irvin-Hamrick Log House
8.1 km
Joshua Beam House
8 km
George Sperling House and Outbuildings
3.2 km
Central Shelby Historic District
428 m
Joseph Suttle House
5.1 km
Dr. Victor McBrayer House
746 m
West Warren Street Historic District
676 m
East Marion-Belvedere Park Historic District
676 m
Cleveland County Training School
1.2 kmKings Mountain Reservoir
7.5 kmCarolina Theatre
382 mWashington Theatre
1.4 kmCarmike 4 Cinema
343 mCo-Ed Theatre
12.2 kmChallenger 3 Golf Course
6.4 kmRiverbend YMCA Golf Club
6.2 kmRoyster Memorial Golf Course
2.2 kmJames B. Petty Amphitheater
4.3 kmDon Gibson Theater
157 mDutch Wheel
4.9 kmShelby City Carousel
1.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes