Mount Gilead is a small town located in southern-central North Carolina with a rich history. The town was founded originally as Providence and evolved into Mount Gilead in the mid-1800s. In its early days, Mount Gilead was primarily an agricultural community, with cotton and tobacco being the main crops grown in the area. The town grew steadily, with the construction of several mills and factories.
With the arrival of the railroads, the town saw significant growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town’s economy shifted from agriculture to manufacturing, with textile mills, furniture factories, timber mills, and other industries driving growth and development.
The Mount Gilead Museum is a must-visit destination for history buffs and anyone interested in learning more about the rich history of Mount Gilead. The museum, located in the heart of downtown on 202 W Allenton Street, features a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the town’s past.
The museum’s collection includes a wide variety of displays, ranging from Native American relics, early pioneer tools, and Civil War artifacts. There are also exhibits about the town’s role in the textile and agricultural industries. Visitors can see exhibits about the town’s schools, churches, and other historic buildings.
In addition to the exhibits, the Mount Gilead Museum also hosts a range of special events and educational programs throughout the year. These events include lectures, tours, and workshops that explore various aspects of the town’s history and culture.
The Mount Gilead Museum is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who are passionate about preserving the town’s history and sharing it with visitors. The museum is open to the public and admission is free, making it an accessible and informative destination for anyone interested in learning more about the fascinating history of Mount Gilead, North Carolina.
Today, Mount Gilead is again a thriving community with a strong sense of history and tradition. Many of the town’s historic buildings and landmarks have been preserved. The town continues to be an important center for agriculture, as well as manufacturing, with several major employers, including PaperWorks Industries, Jordan Lumber, McRae Industries, and Tobe Manufacturing, located in the area.
Having some of the best preserved 19th and early 20th century structures in Montgomery County, the Mount Gilead Downtown Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
The nearby Town Creek Indian Mound is also worth a visit. This state site is located just east of downtown, depicting early life of Native Americans in the region. Town Creek is the state’s oldest historic site and the only one entirely devoted to Native American History.
If you’d like to know more, several books have been written about the history of Montgomery County and include history of our beautiful little town, Pattern of Timeless Moments, a History of Montgomery County by Mable S. Lassiter, and The Heritage of Montgomery County, North Carolina, by Winnie Ingram Richter.