- Published: October 23, 2022
- Updated: October 23, 2022
- University / College: Pennsylvania State University
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 37
Section/# Catawba County, North Carolina: Overview and Discussion d after the Catawba Indian tribe, Catawba County, North Carolina was formed in 1842 from a very large and neighboring Lincoln County, North Carolina. The county itself is composed of approximately 414 square miles; of which 400 square miles is land and 14 square miles is water. As with many hubs of rail transportation, the early economy of the Catawba County region was one that relied heavily on the jobs and opportunities that the large rail junction provided. Moreover, earlier economic development within the region was, as it was in many other Southern regions, based primarily on unfinished goods, raw materials, and depended nearly heavily upon the growth and sale of agricultural products.
With regards to law and governance, Catawba County is a member of the Western Piedmont Council of Governments. The 2010 census noted that there were 154, 356 people living within the county. Similarly, the 2000 census noted that 146, 515 people inhabited the county; representing around a 5. 1% increase in total population over a ten year period (Basso 29).
As opposed to the earlier representations of the economy which have been noted, the current economy of Catawba county relies heavily upon industrial manufacturing. This has partly been born out of the fact that the transportation hub of rail and highway as it developed helped the region to become highly competitive with skilled labor and ease of access to markets along the eastern seaboard as well as the rest of the United States. As a function of a high number of skilled labor jobs, the economy of the region has fared relatively well in comparison to other less industrialized regions within the United States during the economic downtown which has been experienced (Employment and Earnings 216).
One of the main bragging points that the county has is with regards to the high number of famous individuals that hail from Catawba. These include a grand total of 12 NASCAR drivers (on of these of course being Dale Jarett, a pair of actors (James Best and Matthew Settle), a litany of singers/songwriters (inclusive of a member of the Grateful Dead and Tori Amos), a beauty queen, and a host of well renowned sportsmen in almost every discipline. This wide variety of talent that the county itself has produced over the past few years helps to flavor its culture and underscore the fact that even though it could be understood as a solid core of manufacturing, mass transit, and industry, it nonetheless has a solid base of culture that it has developed and continues to export throughout the United States and the rest of the world.
One of the main attractions that the county offers is that of Lake Norman, a man-made lake, created by Duke Energy in the late 1950s and early 1960s which provides public access to a range of water sports and other activities (O’Brien 38). Its sheer size along is impressive as it is the largest inland body of water in all of North Carolina. Although one cannot reduce a county’s importance down to a few statistics and/or figures, it is the hope of this student that based upon the information that has thus far been presented, a more complete and appropriate view of Catawba County has been able to be transmitted.
Works Cited
Basso, Phil. ” Raising The Locals Voice: Illustrating Pathways Outcomes.” Policy & Practice (19426828) 70. 2 (2012): 28-30. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Mar. 2013.
” Metropolitan Area And Division Definitions.” Employment & Earnings 55. 5 (2008): 214-228. Business Source Premier. Web. 6 Mar. 2013.
OBrien, Robin. ” Catawba County Excels In Organizational Effectiveness.” Policy & Practice (19426828) 65. 2 (2007): 38-40. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Mar. 2013.