Gastonia

Gastonia is a city located in the U.S. state of North Carolina, within Gaston County and is its county seat. As of 2019, the population was 72,613 making it the largest city in the county and tenth-largest municipality in all of North Carolina. It lies approximately 25 miles west of Charlotte and ten miles southeast of Lincolnton, near Crowders Mountain State Park on Interstate 85 at Exit 23 – I-85 Business Route/New Hope Road (NC 279).

History
The area that became known as Gastonia was first settled by European Americans around 1750 with a trading post established there by Daniel Harrison during this period who named his settlement “Harrison’s Crossroads” due to two major roads crossing nearby – one going east into South Carolina and another heading north towards Virginia. The community grew slowly until 1877 when Lorinzo Drennen laid out several lots for sale creating what would become downtown Gastonia which quickly began developing businesses such as stores, banks hotels saloons etc., leading to growth throughout other areas within current day Gaston County over time including communities such as Belmont & Lowell among others with textile mills springing up across these towns followed soon after from 1890 onwards providing much needed employment opportunities for local residents.. After World War II ended many new industries moved into town boosting both manufacturing jobs along with retail centers too which still remain today despite economic downturns experienced over recent years affecting many small business throughout this region but mostly recovered now thanks largely due to strong local support systems set up during these tougher times where people helped each other stay afloat financially through tough times whilst also maintaining their faith & spirit together helping them move forward again collectively since then resulting overall positive outcome long term speaking…
After incorporation being granted in 1893 under an act passed by legislature ,a mayor plus board commissioners were chosen shortly afterwards who then proceeded hire first police chief amongst numerous other staff members while also beginning work important infrastructure projects such as water lines sewer connections street paving electric lighting telephone service etc all essential necessities required enabling further development take place moving ever forwards ahead full steam so speak! Initially called “Little Texas”, some say because former Confederate soldiers said it felt like they were back home; however later changed name honour Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene whose nickname happened be ‘Gaston’. Thus came about present day nomenclature: GASTONia!.

Economy
Today’s economy relies heavily upon textiles production although furniture manufacturing industry has grown significantly well replacing some extent previous reliance solely upon fabrics related output albeit large amount continues exist nonetheless albeit somewhat reduced numbers compared before era globalization impacted entire sector deeply changing dynamics quite dramatically rendering once lucrative markets less profitable than before yet still surviving here more resilient fashion generally speaking . Other smaller industrial concerns include food processing engineering products plastic automotive components electronic equipment etc are increasingly becoming more commonplace recently allowing wider range job availability prospects attract potential employees pursue career paths outside traditional realms thus diversifying base even further adding extra layers security economically combating any cyclical fluctuations witnessed elsewhere simultaneously strengthening foundations stability investment wise given environment conducive favourable conditions living working alike ultimately benefiting everyone involved concerned terms quality life standards achieved maintained high levels ongoing basis perpetually….