Then and Now

From the Ormand land grant in 1754 to today, a timeline of how Bessemer City grew.

1754 was the year that King George II granted land to the James Ormand Family, one of the area’s first settling groups. Then considered Tryon County (now Gaston County), Mr. Ormand established the Ormand Mining Company in the area because of the rich natural resources. The old Ormand Furnace was constructed to process mined iron ore and is even said to have been used to make cannon balls during the Revolutionary War. The community would continue to develop in the next century during the Industrial Revolution.

A brief history of the City

Section of a worn early map of Bessemer City showing the planned street grid, with Virginia, Pennsylvania, Alabama and Washington avenues and mill sites along the railroad — Part of an early city map showing the planned street grid.

1891

The City’s Founder, John Askew Smith, had big plans. Mr. Smith had Bessemer City envisioned as a thriving community developed on the Jeffersonian Grid system that included transportation blocks (i.e. grid system), pocket parks, walkable neighborhoods, business districts, and a city center district.

Portrait of John Askew Smith, founder of Bessemer City — John Askew Smith, founder of Bessemer City

Early photograph of a large brick textile mill with a tall smokestack and two towers, with a cow grazing in the field in front — An early Bessemer City textile mill

1893

Chartered as a City by the North Carolina General Assembly under Session Law, Session 1893; Chapter 377, Bessemer City officially organized as a municipality. The pre-planned community with a local economic driver, mining and textiles, would soon take off as a thriving center for employment, business, and residency in Western Gaston County. The most notable textile mill established in Bessemer City was the Osage Mill, established in 1896 by John Smith. The mill still serves as an iconic foundation of the City’s textile past and growth.

1950s

Bessemer City experienced a booming textile economy in the middle of the 20th century. The once sleeping mill village evolved into a thriving community with an active downtown and employment for residents.

Downtown Bessemer City in the mid-1900s, with cars and a truck parked along the street in front of storefronts with awnings — Downtown Bessemer City in the mid-1900s

A long white mill building with a tower at each end and cars parked along the street — A local textile mill in later years

Like many communities across the United States, Bessemer City’s economy took a downturn when textile mills moved overseas. Several generations of textile workers found themselves without work. The community was strong, though. Most residents stayed in Bessemer City and began to explore other employment opportunities as the local job market changed.

2010s

In the 2000s and specifically the 2010s, Bessemer City saw a rebound in economic growth and community pride. The establishment and/or expansion of industries brought hundreds of jobs to the community. Residents began to change the perception of the community as a true ‘City with a Heart’ by interacting at local events, supporting public investment projects, and showing the region that the City is ready for its new chapter as the Charlotte area continues to grow westward.

A Norfolk Southern locomotive passing behind a downtown street lamp with an autumn Downtown banner — A train passes through downtown, fall 2015

View down the main street of Bessemer City from Whetstone Mountain, with spring trees and the Charlotte skyline on the horizon — Downtown seen from Whetstone Mountain, with Charlotte on the horizon

The Present & The Future

Bessemer City holds a promising future based on our resiliency from heritage and current growth patterns. Our proximity to Charlotte, success with high quality living, including economic development, public safety, recreation, and many other features makes our community ideal for future growth. We are perfectly positioned in the metro region as a community that preserves “small town” charm. Find your place in Bessemer City.