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Catawba lies in the heart of Catawba County, a region whose roots reach deep into pre-colonial times. The area was once home to the Catawba Indians, a Siouan-speaking tribe known as "people of the river." They inhabited the riverside terrains and valleys, with their villages aligned along the Catawba River and its tributaries. In early times, they thrived on fishing, farming, and trade, forging paths that would later influence European routes. Over time, pressures from disease, land encroachment, and conflicts with colonists reduced their presence, yet their name endures in the region.

In the 18th century, European settlers—mainly of German, Scots-Irish, and Swiss descent—migrated from Pennsylvania and Virginia down the Great Wagon Road. They settled the fertile Catawba River valley, drawn by its rich soil and access to water. These early farmers built homesteads, barns, mills, and churches. The community of Catawba itself gradually took form as one such settlement centered near the river and principal crossings. The arrival of pioneers like Adam Sherrill in 1747 marked a more accelerated settlement of lands west of the river.

When Catawba County was formed in 1842 from part of Lincoln County, it formalized governance over this growing region. Newton was selected as the county seat in 1845, and the county was officially named for the Native people who once dominated the area. Over ensuing decades, textile mills, furniture factories, and agricultural enterprises blossomed, shaping the economic backbone of the county. In Catawba village, a local rural community emerged, supporting both agricultural and small industrial trades.

Infrastructure evolved gradually. Roads connecting Catawba to Newton, Maiden, Hickory, and Claremont facilitated trade and daily movement. The development of highways, bridges, and rail links in the late 19th and early 20th centuries enhanced accessibility and integrated Catawba more closely with neighboring towns and markets. The Catawba Historic District now preserves many 19th and early 20th century homes and frame buildings, evidencing the village's architectural legacy. Near Catawba is Murray's Mill Historic District, with mill buildings, houses, and structures dating from the 1880s to mid-20th century, operated by the Historical Association of Catawba County.

In modern times, Catawba remains a quiet but historically resonant community. It offers pastoral landscapes, river views, and a sense of rural continuity. Proximity to Newton and Hickory gives residents access to urban employment and amenities while preserving small-town character. The Historic District and local heritage tourism help anchor cultural identity. As development pressures grow, Catawba strives to balance growth with preservation, honoring its roots while looking toward the future.