History is riddled with tales and stories that leave us grasping for more.
The Chronicle's story is no different.
The Chronicle's tale is that of a time-worn and cobwebbed mill that brought prosperity and growth to a small, southern, farming community and created in its wake the city of Belmont, North Carolina.
Farming
1700s to 1900s
Life before the textile giants moved down the river, small farming comunities scattered the Piedmont region.
What is now present-day Belmont used to be a tiny farming town with a train depot called Garibaldi.
Known for its cockfighting and traven brawls, Garibaldi was a rough and tumble place.
Textiles
1902-1996
Following the Civil War, Belmont needed a new industry.
It's people needed payroll and the town needed a way to make money and stay profitable.
The textile industry came to Belmont by way of Mr. R.L Stowe. But that's not all that followed.
And what turned out governed the way Belmont formed its community for decades.
1996 to present
New Industry
It seems with the expansion of new industries, a take over of new development, and the continual spread of Charlotte's urbanization--Belmont faces a new challenge.
Its historic structures--its textile mills--are no longer scattered throughout the town.
As demand rises, the wrecking ball because a new reality for this historic structures.