This is not an official North Carolina marker. It's black with gold lettering, standing on a post…read moreon US_29 at the intersection with Lincoln Academy Road. It is in excellent condition. The marker has the same text on both sides. It reads, ""Founder: Emily Pruden, educator and philanthropist from Orange, Connecticut. A co-educational boarding and day school, grades 1-12, for children of African descent. Accredited 1923. Home of Mildred Wellmon Elementary School, a historic Rosenwald building. Sponsored by American Missionary Association. School was located on Lincoln Academy Road." It was erected in 2012 by the Lincoln Academy National Alumni Association. [Review 2259 of 2024 - 3845 in North Carolina - 23276 overall]

This marker is located on Franklin Blvd in front of the Loray Mill building, which has been…read moreconverted from manufacturing to offices and lofts. Back in the day, it was once the largest factory under one roof in the world. The marker recalls a specific incident. It reads, "Loray Strike. A strike in 1929 at the Loray Mill, 200 yards S., left two dead and spurred opposition to labor unions statewide." Online there is detail on those deaths (one, the chief of police) and information on the backers of the union. "The National Textile Workers Union, widely acknowledged to be under Communist influence, exploited the situation by sending activist Fred Beal and others to Gastonia... The strike dragged on through the summer and fall of 1929. Moderate labor leaders denounced the NTWU and some workers returned to the job. Still, violent incidents increased. O. F. Aderholdt, Gastonia's chief of police, was shot and killed in June. Ella May Wiggins, ballad singer and union sympathizer, was killed in September. Beal and several fellow Communists were convicted of Aderholdt's murder, but there were no convictions for the assaults on union backers. The strike and associated violence dealt a setback to union efforts, bolstering anti-union sentiment both locally and, owing to the wide press coverage, across the state and region." [Review 12616 overall, 2408 of 2019.]

Heritage not hate, or so they say. Well, stop by the Gaston County Courthouse while you can because…read morethis monument is soon to be moved. It was supposed to go with a transfer of ownership and a $200,000 payment for the removal, but the Sons of Confederate Veterans backed out of the deal. So it's still here for now. Ironically, located on Dr. Martin Luther King Way. Dedicated November 21, 1912, this is the Gastonia memorial to those who fought in the Civil War. North Carolina is, of course, in the South and was therefore one of the states that seceded from the Union and joined up with the Confederacy. The monument depicts a Confederate soldier at parade rest with both hands resting on the barrel of his rifle. The sculpture is atop a tall column that is around 35 feet high. The wrong of the monument has a Confederate flag waving from a broken pole. The soldier faces to the East. (When it was in front of the original Gaston County courthouse, it was facing north but moved here in 1998.) The statue is in the front courtyard of the courthouse and is surrounded not only by yellow caution tape but also a chain link fence. People are a little upset around here, so this is to keep it from getting defaced. I did not go past the tape to take my pictures. [This site was visited on 8/24 but the hamsters AGAIN fell off the Yelp wheel back at headquarters and they merged it with another monument. Deleting and re-adding was the only way to fix it.] [Review 14279 overall, 1603 of 2020, number 2693 in North Carolina.]

Nice trail, paved for more of a nature walk feel, with fitness stations along the route. There's a…read moreplateau with a butterfly garden, and it connects to Foote trail. This is about 4.5 miles long, though doesn't loop. It's marked every quarter mile, so it's not too hard to keep track! Some interesting views, a nice way to step into nature. There weren't many dispensers with dog poop pickup bags, so be sure to bring your own if you bring your pup along!

It's a very small but nice park. It's very close to the gun range and you can hear the shots loud…read moreand clear. The shots are a little too close for comfort in my opinion but it's Labor Day weekend and many people came out to enjoy time with their families and friends. There's a nice walking path where you can also ride bikes. There are picnic tables and a shelter with restrooms. No volleyball nets or sand in this park but it's nice for a little getaway.

I went down to Gastonia to try out the new "Whataburger" when I happened apon this park near 85…read more Wow! I don't know where to start. First of all, the scenery resembles that of a state park. Especially the upper level of it, which has the playground. As you wind up the pathway (which is a one way street), you go higher and higher. It brings back old memories when I used to visit Paris mountain in Greenville, SC. Secoundly, picnic areas are all over the park, both in the upper and lower levels, with the biggest one overlooking the lake. And what a large and beautiful lake it is!! Lastly, there is a very well paved pathway that encircles the lake, which provides a 2 mile walk. It's great for anything from alone time to family time.

Awesome hiking!!!…read more Be prepared for mountains, as described 'Crowders Mnt' Weekends are high traffic. Lots of people getting exercise. They have bathrooms at the visitors center and do sell refreshments inside.

Wow, people LOVE this mountain. It was packed when we went for a hike! We couldn't even find a spot…read moreon the main lot. But good thing they have overflow parking. The facilities and visitor center were clean and nice. The trails were well marked and maintained. Very very dog friendly, I felt left out without my dog . Overall, love seeing people out and active, and what a great place to be!

This marker near downtown Gastonia recalls this man who grew up here, practiced law here, led the…read morecity as Mayor and then was Governor of the State. The marker reads, "R. Gregg Cherry, Governor of North Carolina, 1945-1949. State legislator. Promoted good roads and rural electrification. Grave is 3 miles S.E." Online, we find more information. "Robert Gregg Cherry, a veteran of World War I, led the state through the closing months of World War II and the years of readjustment to a postwar economy, a period of general prosperity." "As governor Cherry expanded mental health services by increasing hospital facilities and personnel. The state acquired Camp Butner, used by the military during the war, for construction of a mental hospital. During his term the state committed to creating a four-year medical school at Chapel Hill. The compulsory age for attendance in the public schools was raised from fourteen to sixteen. Governor Cherry successfully advocated increased teacher salaries and laid the groundwork for the road-building program initiated by his successor W. Kerr Scott." Lawyer, military hero, local politician who helped change America. Quite the man. [Review 12615 overall, 2407 of 2019.]

Very nice crew as neighbors at my parents house. Always wave as folks pass by. And the first…read moreresponders occasionally stop by for community events at their church.