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Nestled along the banks of the South Fork Catawba River, High Shoals, North Carolina, is one of Gaston County's most historically significant and picturesque communities. The area that would become High Shoals was first inhabited by Catawba and Cherokee peoples, who relied on the river's abundant fish and fertile floodplains. As European settlers arrived in the 18th century, attracted by the waterpower and rich soil, the South Fork became a hub for early gristmills and forges. High Shoals' name comes from the rocky rapids and shallow stretches of the river that provided ideal sites for mills and water-driven machinery.

In 1795, visionary industrialist John Fulenwider founded the High Shoals Iron Works, one of the earliest iron production centers in the southern Piedmont. Using iron ore mined from nearby hills, the ironworks produced pig iron, tools, and cannonballs that were used during both the War of 1812 and the Civil War. The facility included a forge, rolling mill, and foundry—making it one of the largest industrial operations in North Carolina at the time. The community that grew around the ironworks became a company town, with housing, a store, and schools for workers and their families. High Shoals' early identity as an industrial settlement distinguished it from surrounding agrarian communities and laid the foundation for its development in the 19th century.

As the 1800s progressed, the region saw the decline of the iron industry and the rise of textile manufacturing, a transformation that shaped much of Gaston County's economic history. High Shoals adapted, converting many of its old industrial facilities into textile mills powered by the same river that once fueled the furnaces. Cotton production and weaving became dominant, and the High Shoals Manufacturing Company operated for decades, employing local residents and maintaining the area's status as a thriving mill village. The arrival of the railroad in nearby Lincolnton and Gastonia in the late 19th century brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, linking the small community to regional markets and allowing it to sustain economic stability.

Infrastructure improvements continued through the 20th century, bringing paved roads, electricity, and modern schools to the area. U.S. Highway 321, which passes just a few miles west, enhanced connectivity between High Shoals and neighboring towns such as Dallas and Gastonia. Despite its small size, the community benefited from proximity to these growing cities while retaining its quiet, rural character. The historic ironworks site, once the beating heart of the town's economy, eventually became a heritage landmark. Remnants of the old furnaces and industrial foundations still echo the ingenuity and labor that built the early town.

Modern High Shoals retains the charm of a small, tight-knit community surrounded by scenic landscapes and historic character. Today, the town is known for its tranquil residential atmosphere, tree-lined roads, and easy access to recreational opportunities along the South Fork River. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the region's parks, waterways, and proximity to the Blue Ridge foothills. While many residents commute to larger employment centers in Gastonia, Lincolnton, or Charlotte, High Shoals remains a peaceful retreat that blends rural living with convenient access to urban amenities. The legacy of craftsmanship and resilience—rooted in its iron and textile past—continues to define High Shoals as one of Gaston County's most historically rich and enduring communities.