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Iredell County, North Carolina stakes its claim as the regional center of NASCAR racing. Lovely Iredell County consists of winding creeks, mountains, ridges and valleys where 122,660 people reside (Census 2000 information). Iredell County lies in close proximity to beaches, mountains and amenities that only a dynamic city such as nearby Charlotte can offer. Raleigh, the state capital, is an hour and a half drive to the east.
Residents of Iredell County’s communities are privy to moderate weather, excellent schools and a prosperous base of industry. Iredell County divides into sixteen townships and five towns. These towns include Harmony, Love Valley, Mooresville, Statesville and Troutman.
Harmony is a provincial town with just over 500 residents. This historic community’s name originated with the Harmony Hill Camp Meeting, which was a group of Baptists and Methodists who inhabited the area in the mid-1800’s. Love Valley is a camping resort town located on Fox Mountain with only 30 year round residents. With a Blacksmith, General Store, Saloon and Tack Shop, Love Valley’s characteristics parallel those of an old western movie. Visitors to “The Valley” enjoy camping, horseback riding, live music and a number of rodeos held throughout the year.
Mooresville is a vibrant mid-sized town of nearly 19,000 residents located in the heart of racing country. Known as “Race City USA”, Mooresville is home to a variety of race shops and museums equated with some of the finest names in professional racing. Mooresville has grown tremendously since the last census, due in part to its strategic location between the Charlotte, Darlington and Wilmington racetracks. Mooresville, where many NASCAR drivers reside, is also home to the NASCAR Technical Institute.
Statesville, the seat of Iredell County, has an elaborate agricultural heritage that began with herbs, tobacco and liquor in the 1700’s. Today, Statesville takes pride in the historic downtown area and four residential districts listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Over 23,000 residents revel in the small town atmosphere with various unique shops and restaurants, while living only 45 minutes north of the bustling city of Charlotte. Mitchell Community College, the fifth oldest college in NC, is located in Statesville.
Troutman lies five miles south of Statesville in the southern section of Iredell County. Its nearly 2,000 residents have convenient access to Lake Norman, NC’s largest inland lake. Lake Norman and its affiliated State Park afford residents an abundance of opportunities for water recreation, as well as a wealth of other outdoor activities. In addition, Troutman hosts the National Balloon Rally, held at the Iredell County Fairgrounds each year.
Iredell County, North Carolina consists of mostly rural communities where southern hospitality is the way of life. From historic Statesville to the shores of Lake Norman, Iredell County’s diverse arrays of experiences are unforgettable.
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