Cherryville North Carolina: A Fascinating Southern Town

Cherryville North Carolina is located in the northwest corner of Gaston County, not far from Charlotte and it is steeped in history. The city got its name during the late 1800’s when a local resident planted cherry trees along the railroad that was built through the area after the Civil War, and it quickly became Cherryville. It is known for the agriculture and textile industries that led to its economic development in the early 1900’s. The Cherryville Historical Museum exhibits the rich history of this area. One of its most well-known displays is the painting of a bull from the American Tobacco Company. The image was painted on walls through the US in the early 1900’s, but only four exist today. This particular one was uncovered in 1991 after the removal of plaster that was hiding it for almost a century. Admission to the museum is available by appointment, free of charge. It’s a fascinating look into this small Southern town’s history.

Cherryville Historical Museum 

Exhibits that follow the history of Cherryville from the early 1800's until today. One of the interesting exhibits is the painting of a bull! The American Tobacco Company used the bull to advertise their Bull Durham brand tobacco. Painted on thousands of buildings in the United States and Europe, there are only four known paintings existing today on brick buildings. The bull was painted in 1910 and was covered with plaster for 80 years but reappeared in 1991 when the plaster was removed. 

Cherryville Downtown Historic District

The Cherryville Downtown Historic District has become the latest area to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. The news is being celebrated this month by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, after a state advisory committee and historic preservation authorities approved Cherryville's application for the designation.

The Old City Hall located at 109 East Main Street is a Cherryville landmark. Erected in 1911 by the Kendrick brothers, it was made from lumber cut and sawed at their sawmill and from brick made in their brickyard near the Mt. Zion Church north of town. The City Hall housed hand-drawn fire equipment, the city administration offices, and the police department on the first floor. The courtroom and the county office were on the second floor, and the jail was in the basement. Want to know more about the Cherryviile Historical Society? Click here.

Cherryville Cherry Blossom Festival

A trip to Cherryville wouldn't be complete without taking time to enjoy out beloved Cherry Blossom Festival. Located on Main Street in Downtown Cherryville in the spring the Cherry Blossom Festival features a 5K Race, music, games, inflatables, clowns, puppets, dancers, arts, crafts and food. Join us for this family fun festival.

C. Grier Truck Museum 

Experience the early days of trucking as they come alive through exhibits at the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum. This impressive museum was founded in 1982 by the Carolina Freight Carriers Corporation and has a wonderful display of trucks and other memorabila dating back to 1927. 

The C. Grier Beam Truck Museum is housed partly in the original gas station in Cherryville where Carolina Freight had its humble beginnings.

Cherryville North Carolina

More information about Cherryville, NC including a Gallery, Where To Go, What To Do, Where To Stay, Where To Eat, CLICK HERE.