High Point (Images of America)

What is the high point of North Carolina? Why, it's High Point, North Carolina!

Established in 1859, High Point was so named because it was located at the highest point on the rail line between Charlotte and Goldsboro. The city expanded rapidly from the epicenter of the crossroads of the Plank Road and the railroad, making High Point a transportation hub within North Carolina. High Point is also the only city in North Carolina located within four counties: Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford, and Randolph. Beyond their railway history, High Point has always been a manufacturing center, nicknamed the "furniture capital of the world.'? Today, the world's largest furnishings market is held each spring and fall in High Point, drawing in over 70,000 people.High Pointshowcases the rich manufacturing and community history of this North Carolina Triad city.

Barbara E. Taylor is the former president of the High Point Museum. Both as a museum president and community volunteer, she has been involved with several projects, such as the installation of the John Coltrane statue and the inauguration of the International John Coltrane Jazz and Blues Festival in 2011. Images within the pages of High Point have been culled from the High Point Public Library's Mary Lib Joyce Collection, the High Point Museum's collection, and local citizens' personal collections.