Map of High Point, North Carolina


History & Facts About The
City of High Point, North Carolina

The City of High Point was founded in 1850 at the crossing of the Old Plank Road (which connected Salem and Fayetteville) and the North Carolina Railroad.

The crossing of those major transportation arteries attracted people to establish businesses along the plank road and railroad tracks.

The City received its Charter in 1859, and was named High Point because it was the highest point along the railroad between Charlotte and Goldsboro.


Development Of The City of High Point

A little known fact to the citizens of High Point today is that it was once regarded as a "hunter's paradise" and "health resort" due to the mild weather!

In 1872, the manufacturing of tobacco products began in the City of High Point. That became the leading industry in the City until 1888, when the manufacturing of furniture became the dominate industry in the City. Then, in 1904, hosiery manufacturing became the second major business in the City.

Soon afterwards, the City of High Point became known as the "Furniture and Hosiery Capital of the World."


Population And Square Miles

In 1900, the population of the City of High Point was only 4,613 citizens. The City covered only four (4) square miles at that time.

By 1987, the City's population had grown to 67,509 citizens and forty two (42) square miles.

Today, the current estimated population of the City is 78,116 citizens. The corporate city limits encompass approximately forty nine (49) square miles. The City is located primarily within Guilford County, but also extends into parts of Davidson County, Forsyth County, and Randolph County.


City Of High Point's Attractions

  • High Point Museum & Historical Park
  • High Point City Lake Park
  • Furniture Discovery Center
  • Angela Peterson Doll & Miniature Museum
  • North Carolina Shakespeare Festival
  • Annual Boat Drag Races At Oak Hollow Lake
  • Blair Park & Oak Hollow Golf Courses
  • Oak Hollow Campground
  • A.J. Simeon Stadium


Description Of City Government

The City of High Point operates under a City Council/City Manager form of government.

The City Council, composed of the Mayor and eight (8) Council members, is the legislative and policy-making body of the City government. These officials are elected to four-year staggered terms by the citizens in bi-partisan elections.

The City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month in the Council Chambers, located on the 3rd floor of the City Hall at 211 South Hamilton Street. The public is invited to attend and participate in the City Council's meetings.

The Mayor, as the elected head of the City, presides at Council meetings, appoints members of committees and commissions, and represents the City at important functions.

The City Council is divided into committees which review all City projects and concerns. Matters may be decided by these committees, or referred to the full City Council with recommendations.

The City Council's Committees Include:

  • Finance Committee
  • Public Services Committee
  • Public Safety Committee
  • Special & Planning Committee


City Manager's Responsibilities

The City Council appoints a City Manager to administer the approved policies of the City. The City Manager is a professional person who is trained and experienced in the operations of City government.

All of the administrative departments of the City function under the City Manager's direction. His responsibilities include:

  • Executing the general policy decision of the City Council.
  • Making recommendations to the City Council.
  • Providing the City Council with information on the City's affairs.
  • Coordinating the departments of the City government.


City Government Organization

High Point City Government is organized into Operating Departments and Staff Departments. The Operating Departments provide services to the general public, while the Staff Departments provide assistance to the City Manager and the Operating Departments for internal coordination and policy interpretation.

The Staff Departments Include:

  • City Clerk
  • City Attorney
  • Personnel Department
  • Public Information
  • Economic Development

The Operating Departments Include:

  • Operations Division (Consists of six [6] Departments)
    • Electric Department
    • Water & Sewer Department
    • Public Services Department
    • Parks & Recreation Department
    • Planning & Development Department
    • Inspections Department

  • Administrative Division (Consists of ten [10] Departments)
    • Finance Department
    • Budget Department
    • Central Services Department
    • Management Information Services Department
    • Communications Services (9-1-1) Department
    • Human Relations Department
    • Central Engineering Department
    • Internal Audit Department
    • High Point Public Library
    • High Point Theatre

  • Public Safety Division (Consists of three [3] Departments)
    • Police Department
    • Fire Department
    • Transportation Department


For More Information About The City Of High Point Please Visit The City's Official Web Site At:

http://www.high-point.net



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