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Rowan County, North Carolina nestles in the rolling hills of the Central Piedmont Region. Sheltered from inclement weather by the Blue Ridge Mountains that loom to the west, Rowan County enjoys a moderate climate and lush natural beauty.
Southern hospitality runs strong in Rowan County. This mostly rural region made up of small, quaint towns delights in the many tourists that explore the historic area. Its strategic location along the Interstate 85 corridor provides quick access to Rowan County. Situated halfway between the dynamic city of Charlotte and the bustling Greensboro Triad Region, Rowan County offers a refreshing break from the hectic pace of North Carolina's rapid growth.
Rowan County reported its population as 130,340 during the 2000 Census. The 2004 estimate was 134,000, showing 3% growth. The only major cities include Kannapolis, which is partially in Cabarrus County, and the county seat of Salisbury. Kannapolis holds 40,000 residents and Salisbury just under 27,000. In Rowan County’s early history, Salisbury served as the chief trade and transportation center. Once the largest city in western NC, Salisbury stood as the last point of civilization for pioneers heading west. This charming city contains 10 separate historic districts,
The towns of Landis and China Grove contain just fewer than 4,000 residents. China Grove, named for its stands of Chinaberry trees, was a stagecoach stop before the American Revolution. Today it hosts the annual Farmer's Day celebration, honoring Rowan County’s agricultural traditions. Granite Quarry and Rockwell hold approximately 2,000 citizens. Spencer and East Spencer (population 5,000) grew up as railroad towns. The North Carolina Transportation Museum stands on Spencer’s revitalized Main Street, a must-see for railroad buffs. The tiny town of Faith, (population 600), hosts the weeklong extravaganza Fourth of July Celebration, one of North Carolina’s largest festivals.
Rowan County’s top employers include Freightliner, Food Lion, the Rowan Regional Medical Center and Invista. Rowan County is home to both large and small corporations, attracting new firms in each year. It boasts low operating costs and low cost of living, and a hard-working, reliable workforce. Students receive quality education from the Rowan County school system and private schools. Catawba College, Livingstone College and the Rowan-Carrabus Community College provide higher learning.
Rowan County is a nature lover’s wonderland. The county has set aside numerous parks and preserves, such as the Eagle Point Nature Preserve, the Rowan Nature and Learning Center, and the Dan Sloan Park, which contains the Miner Moose Gem Mines. A plethora of historic attractions continuously draw visitors, including the Salisbury Confederate Prison, numerous revolutionary war, civil war and African-American walking tours, and the Salisbury National Cemetery.
Rowan County, North Carolina preserves its colorful past with care, while looking towards a bright future. Citizens rest assured of future growth here, as Rowan County attracts people seeking an outstanding quality of life, low cost of living, natural beauty and Southern hospitality.
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