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Mount Holly, North Carolina, located along the eastern edge of Gaston County beside the Catawba River, has a story deeply intertwined with the growth of the textile industry and the expansion of the greater Charlotte region. Before European settlement, the land was part of the hunting grounds of the Catawba Nation, whose people thrived along the fertile riverbanks. By the mid-18th century, Scotch-Irish and German settlers began to establish farms and mills along the river, taking advantage of its natural power. Originally known as Woodlawn, the settlement was later renamed Mount Holly in the 1800s after the Mount Holly Cotton Mill, which itself was named for a mill town in New Jersey.

The Mount Holly Cotton Mill, established in 1875, played a crucial role in shaping the town's identity. It was one of the first textile mills in Gaston County, which would soon become one of the South's leading textile centers. The mill's success attracted families seeking employment and helped transform Mount Holly from a small agricultural community into a thriving industrial town. Cotton from surrounding farms was processed and woven into fabric, and by the early 1900s, several mills operated in and around the town, creating a bustling economy centered around textile manufacturing. The railroad, which arrived in the late 19th century, strengthened Mount Holly's position as a local trade and manufacturing hub by providing easy access to Charlotte and other regional markets.

Over the 20th century, Mount Holly evolved alongside the broader industrial changes of the Piedmont region. The town's infrastructure grew steadily, with improved roads and bridges enhancing its connectivity across Gaston County and beyond. The Catawba River's proximity also influenced the construction of hydroelectric facilities, contributing to the development of Duke Energy's early power systems, which supplied electricity to mills and homes across the region. Highway expansions such as NC 27 and Interstate 85 eventually placed Mount Holly in a strategic location for both industry and commuters, fostering continued growth and modernization.

Mount Holly developed a strong sense of community identity rooted in both its industrial past and its small-town values. The downtown area, with its historic storefronts and renovated mill buildings, reflects a blend of tradition and renewal. Community events like the Mount Holly Springfest and the Christmas Parade have become beloved local traditions that highlight the town's friendly and welcoming spirit. Churches, schools, and civic organizations have long been central to town life, fostering close-knit relationships among residents and contributing to a shared pride in Mount Holly's history and progress.

In recent years, Mount Holly has transformed into a highly desirable suburban community within the Charlotte metropolitan area while retaining its independent charm. The town's riverside location offers access to outdoor recreation such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking along the Catawba River and the nearby U.S. National Whitewater Center. Its revitalized downtown features local shops, breweries, and dining establishments that attract visitors from across the region. Mount Holly balances its heritage as a former mill town with a forward-looking approach to sustainable growth, making it one of Gaston County's most dynamic and livable communities.