Isaac Shelby : revolutionary patriot and border hero by Henderson, Archibald, 1877-1963

Song and video by Larry Simpson about how Cleveland County and Shelby came to be and why Shelby's location. The importance of Cleveland Springs (formally Wilson Springs)

The story of the founding of Cleveland County and Shelby NC

Song and video by Larry Simpson about Catherine Babington who was the only woman mason ever! She lived in Cleveland County and is buried in Sunset cemetery.

Born in 1811 he was a surveyor, lawyer, preacher, doctor and a philosopher. He was of great stature among men in the county. He wrote "A History of the Broad River Baptist Association" He was clerk of the association for many years. He was on the six man committee to plan the city of Shelby.

First sheriff in Cleveland County. married Judith Hamrick. Father of Burwell Banton

1872 marked the arrival of the first railroad and this was the first engine. They were wood burners that started Shelby's growth. Farmers were hired to haul wood to platforms along the tracks where crewmen would transfer the wood to the engines tender.

Song and video by Larry Simpson about Catherine Babington who was the only woman mason ever! She lived in Cleveland County and is buried in Sunset cemetery.

The family of the pioneer Baptist preacher Rev. Thomas Dixon. Left to right Tom Dixon. author and playwright. Rev. A. C. Dixon. known for his ministry: Frank Dixon. minister and lecturer: Mrs. Addie Dixon Thacker, author: Dr. Delia Dixon Carroll, one of the State's first woman physicians.

Born in 1811 he was a surveyor, lawyer, preacher, doctor and a philosopher. He was of great stature among men in the county. He wrote "A History of the Broad River Baptist Association" He was clerk of the association for many years. He was on the six man committee to plan the city of Shelby.

A photograph made in the 1890s of couple on a buggy ride in front of the1841 courthouse. The old Central Methodist is on the far right.

Burwell Blanton is pictured in this 1870s picture of a gristmill located on Brushy Creek west of Shelby. He was a successful farmer, miller and businessman. He is best known as a founding member of J. Jenkins and Company, Cleveland County's first bank that was formed in 1874. It would evolve into First National Bank.

Postcard showing the second courthouse

The Shelby Military would later be the first Shelby Grade School. Later Shelby High School was build there. There is a memorial monument there. A tennis court later occupied the spot.

An adverting booklet describing Shelby in 1889 with many engravings of landmarks. Also descriptions of businesses, agriculture, advertisements ,schools, minerals, climate, mineral springs and more to attract visitors and investors.

Shelby's main business in the 1890s A bar was in the corner (became First National Bank) and in the next building too.(Cohen's later)

Mary Jane Austell and James Petty Austell are among the participants in the uptown Shelby parade. Note the horse drawn float.

The new Shelby Grade School building which was constructed at a cost of $30,000 in 1905 and was opened around January 1. The name change to Shelby High School came about in 1927-1928 when only grades 8 to 10 remained.

After the second Cleveland Springs burned down many still came for the mineral springs and recreation at the park like surroundings. It was a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike..

A 1907 postcard of the 1907 courthouse showing the springhouse.

Postcard showing courthouse and confederate monument.

Shelby's Baptist female college, chartered in 1883, struggled with debt from the start and closed by 1889-1890. The building later became a boarding house and hotel.

This is a history of the Charles Hotel (formally Centra Hotel) from the 1887 to 1930

Catherine Babington was the only female in history. This is her biography. Written by J.P. Babington her son and Mason as well. "She was bright in the First Three Degrees of Masonry, up to the time of her death."

Central Hotel (later Charles Hotel) notice showing rates and amenities and rules