HISTORY
Farmers were drawn to the area in the early 1800s, yet Matthews wasn’t incorporated as a town until 1879. By the 1900s, cotton gins and general stores were among the core of the local economy. The National Register of Historic Places lists 10 downtown buildings in Matthews, North Carolina.
AMENITIES
A prime location near Charlotte, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Coast easily accessible from Interstate 485 and U.S. Highway 74. Matthews is the headquarters of Family Dollar Stores, a Fortune 500 Company, as well as Pokertek and Harris Teeter. Conbraco, Coveris and Novant Health Matthews Medical Center are also major employers. Matthews Medical Center provides world-class technology and a full range of services. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System operates numerous K-12 schools while higher education includes Central Piedmont Community College in Matthews, NC and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
CLIMATE
Humid subtropical conditions include hot/humid summers and mild winters. On average, Matthews, NC receives 44 inches of rain and 213 days of sunshine. The Piedmont features a complex geology, varying elevations and fertile soils.
ATTRACTIONS
Matthews Train Depot, constructed in the 1880s, served as an economic center for decades. The depot remained in operation until 1966 and is now the Matthews Visitors Center. McDowell Arts Center and Matthews Heritage Museum are additional in town attractions unique to town. Matthews Playhouse is a community based, non-profit theatre featuring performing arts. The Sportsplex offers multi-purpose athletic fields for local teams and organizations.
Special events in town include Matthews Auto & Motorcycle Classic, ArtFest, Spring BeachFest and outdoor concerts in Stumptown Park to name just a few.