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Lincolnton, NC

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Lincolnton, NC

Lincolnton is a city in Lincoln County, North Carolina, United States within the Charlotte metropolitan area. The population was 10,486 at the 2010 census. Lincolnton is northwest of Charlotte, on the South Fork of the Catawba River. The city is the county seat of Lincoln County.

Lincolnton is in central Lincoln County in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. U.S. Route 321, a four-lane freeway, passes through the east side of the city, leading north 20 miles (32 km) to Hickory and south 15 miles (24 km) to Gastonia. North Carolina Highway 27 is Lincolnton's Main Street and leads southeast 20 miles (32 km) to Mount Holly and west 16 miles (26 km) to Toluca. Charlotte is 37 miles (60 km) southeast of Lincolnton via US 321 and Interstate 85.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.7 square miles (22.6 km²), of which 8.6 square miles (22.4 km²) are land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²), or 0.93%, is water. The city is situated on the northeastern side of the South Fork of the Catawba River, which flows southeast to join the Catawba River at the South Carolina border. Clark Creek joins the South Fork in the northwestern part of the city.

This area was long occupied by varying cultures of indigenous peoples; the first Americans settled in the area after the American Revolution in the late 18th century. In June 1780 during the American Revolutionary War, the future site of Lincolnton was the site of the Battle of Ramsour's Mill, a small engagement in which local Loyalists were defeated by pro-independence forces. Some historians consider the battle significant because it disrupted Loyalist organizing in the region at a crucial time.

After the Revolution, the legislature organized a new county by splitting this area from old Tryon County (named in the colonial era for a royally appointed governor). The 1780 battle site was chosen for the seat of Lincoln County. The new city and the county were named after Major General Benjamin Lincoln, who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

The Piedmont area was developed for industry, based on using the water power from the streams and rivers there. With the advantage of the South Fork of the Catawba, Lincolnton was the site of the first textile mill in North Carolina, constructed by Michael Schenck in 1813. It was the first cotton mill built south of the Potomac River. Cotton processing became a major industry in the area. St. Luke's Episcopal Church was founded in 1841.

During the American Civil War, Lincoln County had many residents who either joined or were conscripted into the Confederate Army. Among them was Major General Stephen Dodson Ramseur, who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Cedar Creek in Virginia in the final year of the war. His body was returned to Lincolnton for burial. Episcopal missionary bishop Henry C. Lay spent the final months of the Civil War in the town. Union forces occupied Lincoln County on Easter Monday, 1865, shortly before the close of the war.

The city places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with Atrium Health Lincoln playing a crucial role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. The healthcare facility is committed to promoting well-being and ensuring access to quality medical care. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Lincolnton Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, B3 Training Studio & Gym, and Rock Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Lincolnton, such as the Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail and South Fork Rail Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Lincolnton, NC are Betty G. Ross Park, Mint Museum Uptown, and Catawba Science Center.

Population: 12,353 (2024). ZIP codes: 28092, 28093. Area codes: 704, 980. Elevation: 883 ft (269 m). Area: 8.75 sq mi (22.66 km²).

FAQs

What is Lincolnton, NC known for?

Lincolnton, North Carolina (population 10,393), located in Lincoln County, was founded in 1785. Lincolnton was the site of the Revolutionary War Battle at Ramsour’s Mill, an event that is re-enacted every year in conjunction with reunions of three Lincolnton families that date back to that time. Lincolnton was also the location of the 1813 Schenck-Warlick Mill, the first textile mill south of New England.  

Is Lincolnton, NC a good place to live?

Living in Lincolnton offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Lincolnton and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Lincolnton are above average.

What is the crime rate in Lincolnton, NC?

With a crime rate of 40 per one thousand residents, Lincolnton has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 25. Within North Carolina, more than 88% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Lincolnton.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lincolnton

Atrium Health Lincoln

Lincolnton Parks and Recreation Department 

Planet Fitness

B3 Training Studio & Gym 

Rock Fitness

Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail 

South Fork Rail Trail

Betty G. Ross Park

Mint Museum Uptown

Catawba Science Center

Achp

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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