CLEVELAND COUNTY, NC HISTORY AND LOOKUP

County History Books

Sketches of Western North Carolina, Historical and Biographical by C. L. Hunter, (1877) – 388 Pages
Source: Internet Archive
Book ID: CH.2025.09.23.2112.AR

Cleveland County, North Carolina: A Genealogical Overview

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the southwestern Piedmont, Cleveland County is a region defined by its Revolutionary War heritage, its deep roots in agriculture and the textile industry, and a rich cultural legacy of music and tradition. From the early Scots-Irish and German farms to the bustling mill towns of the 20th century, the county’s history is a classic story of the Carolina upcountry. For genealogists, its records trace the path of families who helped shape the industrial and cultural landscape of the state, with family lines extending back to the parent counties of Lincoln and Rutherford.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Cleveland County was created in the mid-19th century from two large, established counties, making it essential for researchers to look to those parent counties for records before 1841.

  • 1841: County Formed: Cleveland County was officially established on January 2, 1841.
  • Parent Counties: It was formed from the southern portion of Rutherford County and the western portion of Lincoln County. All genealogical research for ancestors living within the modern boundaries of Cleveland County prior to 1841 must be conducted in the records of Rutherford or Lincoln County.
  • Subsequent Formations: In 1842, the county’s boundaries were adjusted, and in 1846, a small eastern portion of Cleveland County was contributed to the formation of Gaston County. The boundaries have been largely stable since that time.
  • Name Origin: The county was named in honor of Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, a celebrated patriot and hero of the Revolutionary War who was a commanding officer at the decisive Battle of Kings Mountain, which was fought just south of the county’s eventual border.
  • County Seat History: The county seat was established in 1841 and named Shelby in honor of Colonel Isaac Shelby, another hero of the Battle of Kings Mountain. Shelby has remained the county seat throughout its history.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: The area was a traditional hunting ground shared by the Cherokee and Catawba peoples. The Broad River served as a natural boundary between their territories.
  • Colonial and Early American Settlement: The first European settlers, predominantly Scots-Irish and German immigrants, began arriving in the mid-to-late 18th century. They established subsistence farms throughout the fertile lands between the Broad and Catawba rivers.
  • Key Historical Events:
    • The Battle of Kings Mountain (1780): Though the battle was fought just across the border in South Carolina, the mobilization of Patriot militia (“Overmountain Men”) and the strategic movements leading to the battle heavily involved this region and its residents. The victory is a core part of the county’s historical identity.
    • Cotton and the Textile Revolution: In the 19th century, cotton became the dominant cash crop. This led directly to the development of a massive textile industry after the Civil War. Towns like Shelby, Kings Mountain, and Lawndale became major centers for cotton mills, defining the county’s economy and social structure for more than a century.
    • Musical Heritage: The region is renowned for its contributions to American music. It is the birthplace of bluegrass pioneer Earl Scruggs, whose revolutionary three-finger banjo style is named after him, and country music legend Don Gibson. This rich heritage is celebrated at the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

Most historical records for Cleveland County are well-maintained and located at the county courthouse in Shelby.

  • County Courthouse: The Cleveland County Courthouse, 100 Justice Place, Shelby, NC 28150, is the central repository for county records.
    • Register of Deeds: This office holds all land transactions from 1841, as well as marriage licenses, birth certificates, and death certificates.
    • Clerk of Superior Court: This office is the repository for probate records, including wills and estate files, from 1841. It also maintains all civil and criminal court dockets.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration in North Carolina began in 1913. The Cleveland County Register of Deeds holds local copies of these records from 1913 to the present.
    • Marriage Records: Marriage bonds from 1841 to 1868 and marriage licenses from 1868 to the present are held by the Register of Deeds. Marriages before 1841 for ancestors in this area would be recorded in Rutherford or Lincoln counties.
  • Libraries and Societies:
    • Cleveland County Memorial Library: The main library in Shelby houses the Gidney Genealogy Room, which has an extensive collection of local history books, family histories, microfilm of county records, and online database access.
    • The Broad River Genealogical Society: An active society focused on the counties of the old Tryon County area (including Cleveland) that publishes a journal and assists researchers.
    • Cleveland County Historical Museum: Located in the former courthouse in Shelby, the museum provides excellent historical context for the county’s development.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Burke County (north)
    • Lincoln County (east)
    • Gaston County (east)
    • York County, South Carolina (southeast)
    • Cherokee County, South Carolina (south)
    • Rutherford County (west)

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