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Rutherfordton,
North Carolina,
2.6 square miles of scenic terrain in the shadows of the
Blue Ridge Mountains, is located in the foothills of
western
NC. Rutherfordton is a pastoral community with a
population of 4,131 (Census
2000). With an elevation of 1,075 feet,
Rutherfordton, NC is one of the lower lying areas within
Rutherford County.
Rutherfordton is the seat of
Rutherford County, whose population was 62,899 in
2000. Estimates in 2006 indicate a countywide increase
of 1.5% to 63,867 residents. Formed in 1779, Rutherford
County, North Carolina took its name in honor of
Griffith Rutherford. Mr. Rutherford served as a
general in the
American Revolutionary War. Additional cities in
Rutherford County include
Bostic,
Chimney Rock,
Ellenboro,
Forest City,
Lake Lure,
Ruth and
Spindale. The county divides further into fourteen
townships.
Rutherford County, NC boasts a thriving economy that
included a workforce of nearly 22,800 in 2006.
Education and health services jobs lead the local
economy with 24% of the workforce, with transportation
and utilities claiming 21.4% and manufacturing 18.2%.
Other important industries include business and
professional services, leisure and hospitality, and
construction. Communities in Rutherford County are
within an hour’s drive of the busy markets of
Asheville and
Charlotte in N.C. and
Greenville and
Spartanburg in
South Carolina.
Rutherford County, North Carolina houses several
outstanding
public schools and two private schools.
Isothermal Community College serves the immediate
post-secondary needs within the county, while a variety
of additional higher learning facilities are within
driving distance. These include
Appalachian State University,
Gardner Webb University, the
University of North Carolina at Charlotte and
Western Carolina University.
Rutherfordton 's outdoor enthusiasts enjoy boating and
fishing at Silvers Lake and gem mining on the
Broad River. Rutherfordton, NC is home to
delightful small shops such as
The Gallery, while other cultural activities include
Painter’s Gap Art Gallery and the events put on by
the
Rutherford Community Theater. Visitors also enjoy
Harris Motor Speedway and the crushed gravel surface
trails of the
Thermal Belt Rail-Trail. Accommodations include the
B&B at the lovely
Green River Plantation.
Popular destinations located elsewhere in
Rutherford County, North Carolina include the shops
at
Chimney Rock Village and
Chimney Rock Park. Both attractions hug the banks
of the Rocky Broad River. Chimney Rock Park features
fascinating rock formations accessible by a combination
of stairs and bridges or a 26-story elevator.
The
Cherry Bounce Trail, Rutherford County’s historic
byway, provides stunning panoramic views of the area’s
natural splendor. Additional attractions include the
Beach at Lake Lure,
Bennett Classic Cars Museum in
Forest City, the
Cedar Creek Stables in
Lake Lure, the
Foundation Performing Arts Center in
Spindale and the stunning fall foliage of
Hickory Nut Gorge.
Rutherfordton,
North Carolina residents enjoy a serene community
with safe neighborhoods, easy access to growing urban
areas in the region, and a refreshing moderate climate.
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