Climate and Geography

Located among the gentle rolling terrain of the Piedmont crescent, Cherryville’s geographical proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains offers residents advantages for year-round enjoyment. “Moderate, pleasant, and sunny” describe Cherryville’s climate. Extremely cold weather is rare and snowfall is infrequent. Cherryville’s location at the heart of the three-county region lying just west and contiguous to Charlotte allows residents the opportunity to enjoy “small-town” living with quick and easy access to one of the nation’s most dynamic markets.

 

Culture

The culture of Cherryville is expressed in art, music, theater, and dance. History is a major part of the community’s culture, as well. Concerts, whether indoors or outdoors, are enjoyed locally, and well-received productions are held throughout the year by the Cherryville Little Theatre in one of the quaintest facilities in the region. The Cherryville Historical Museum, the J. Ralph Beam, Jr. Heritage Park, and the Depot Train Museum offer a look back upon the varied past of this wondrously traditional town. The C. Grier Beam Truck Museum is a unique surprise, highlighting the growth of commercial trucking and that of the iconic Carolina Freight Carriers Corporation. 

 

Historic Downtown Cherryville, with beautiful buildings, busy shops, and attractive parks, serves as the social, cultural, and economic hub of the town. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival stands out among a number of festivals, highlighting arts, crafts, entertainment, and a celebration of spring – not to mention the beauty of the flowering cherry tree. Christmas is celebrated downtown and all around town during the holidays.  Perhaps the most unique aspect of Cherryville culture is exhibited in the annual rite carried by the New Year Shooters, who are popularly preserving the community’s heritage through the custom of beginning each New Year with the shooting of muskets.

 

History

First known as White Pines, Cherryville was settled in 1792by German, Dutch, and Scotch-Irish pioneers. During the1860’s the town served as a water and coal stop on the Carolina Central (later Seaboard Coastal) Railroad line. Along this railroad, a local resident planted cherry trees, spurring train engineers to call the settlement “Cherryville”, the name under which the town was incorporated in 1881.During the 1700s, Old Post Rd. served as a main thoroughfare between Charlotte, NC and Spartanburg, SC, as well as a highway connection between Washington D.C. and important locations throughout the South. Agriculture was Cherryville’s main economic base for many years. During the 1800s, however, the town established itself in the textile industry, following the mill village concept which is still somewhat evident today In the 1900s Carolina Freight Corporation established itself as the major economic force shaping the community and region. Today, a diversity of more modern manufacturing and service business has created a more balanced economy.

 

Economy

Cherryville’s assets for economy and opportunity are many: sound and steady growth; tri-county labor market of quantity and quality; close proximity to universities, colleges and vocational/technical institutions; easy access to I-85, I-77, and I-40; proximity to Charlotte and other major markets; easy access to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport: the availability of quality industrial sites; strong economic development programs of the City of Cherryville, the Cherryville Main Street Program, and the Cherryville Chamber of Commerce; along with the vigorous support of the Cherryville community.

 

Government

In the City of Cherryville, a mayor is elected by popular vote for a two-year term. One councilman for each ward is elected for four years with staggered terms. The council appoints a full-time professional city manager to serve as executive officer of the city. The city employs a Chief of Police with a specially trained staff. The city fire department is housed in a beautiful new facility and staffed with a Fire Chief and both professional fire fighters and trained volunteers. Professionally trained individuals supervise public works, electrical and recreational services. Planning and zoning services are administered by a professional land use administrator and the Cherryville Planning and Zoning Board recommends short and long range plans for the area.

 

Recreation

Cherryville sports a well-rounded offering of recreational opportunities. Numerous parks dot the city’s landscape, serving up leisure, as well as, competitive sports. The Cherryville Country Club has an excellent nine-hole course, and within a short drive are some of the best public and private courses in the South. Lake Norman and Lake Wylie, only a short drive away, and Moss Lake, only minutes away, give the water sports enthusiast an excellent opportunity for entertainment. Although all sports are supported enthusiastically, baseball has stood out in Cherryville. Perennial success at the little league, high school, and American Legion level has showcased some of the North Carolina’s and Southeast’s best competition and talent.

 

Housing

Cherryville’s neat and attractive homes are indicative of the people who live here. Newcomers soon learn to consider Cherryville home because of the friendly atmosphere, easy access to colleges, theaters, shopping, airlines, beaches, and mountains, while enjoying the relaxed convenience of safe, clean, activity-filled small town surroundings. New residential areas, in both downtown and in attractive neighborhoods, are being developed. Cherryville offers attractive housing in a rural, suburban setting. Beautiful homes and affordable housing blend together to form a quiet, comfortable atmosphere.