History

BELMONT TROLLEY

Historical significance

In 1911, William States Lee and James Buchanan “Buck” Duke, leaders at the Southern Power Company, built the Piedmont and Northern Railway (P&N)—an electrically-powered, interurban rail system linking major cities across the Piedmont of the Carolinas. The arrival of the railway created unprecedented growth in North Carolina’s textile industry.

1916

One of P&N’s busiest divisions ran 24 miles between Charlotte and Gastonia. In 1916, at the request of Belmont’s booming textile mills, P&N added a three-mile route from its main line near the city of Mount Holly to downtown Belmont. Along these tracks, three small, city-style trolley cars carried passengers and workers between the mills and the main line.

1932

Although P&N continued its freight service in the region until the late 1960s, Belmont’s streetcar service ended in 1932.

Until Now

The renovation of our three trolleys and tracks goes beyond a charming nod to the past. It means more excitement, enthusiasm and prosperity for Gaston County’s businesses and residents. It’s the line that connects us locally and lures visitors from near and far—setting Belmont apart as a delightfully different destination.