--- title: "The History of High Point, NC — From Railroad Town to Furniture Capital of the World | Hygge High Point Blog" url: https://www.hyggehighpoint.com/blog/history-of-high-point-nc description: "Explore the rich history of High Point, North Carolina. From its founding as a railroad hub to becoming the Furniture Capital of the World — discover the story behind this charming Piedmont Triad city." lang: en --- Back to Blog: https://www.hyggehighpoint.com/blog HYGGE _High Point_: https://www.hyggehighpoint.com/ Hygge High Point on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highpointhygge/ Hygge High Point on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hyggehighpoint Check Availability Book: https://book.ratherbeproperties.com/listings/440706 Image: Historic red brick buildings and oak tree lined street in downtown High Point North Carolina at golden hour (https://www.hyggehighpoint.com/assets/high-point-nc-history-BvYHuguj.jpg) March 8, 2026 # The History of High Point, NC — From Railroad Town to Furniture Capital of the World Nestled in the heart of **North Carolina's Piedmont Triad**, **High Point** is a city with a story as rich as its Southern hospitality. Known worldwide as the **Furniture Capital of the World**, High Point's journey from a humble railroad stop to a globally recognized destination is one of ambition, craftsmanship, and community. Whether you're a **history buff visiting High Point** or just curious about the city you're staying in, here's the fascinating story behind it all. ## The Founding of High Point — A Railroad Town Is Born High Point was officially founded in **1859**, but its origins trace back to the construction of the **North Carolina Railroad** in the early 1850s. The city earned its name because it sat at the **highest point along the railroad line** between Goldsboro and Charlotte — a geographic distinction that would shape its future. The railroad brought commerce, settlers, and connectivity, transforming what was once rural farmland into a thriving **Piedmont Triad community**. ## The Civil War and Reconstruction in High Point Like much of **North Carolina during the Civil War**, High Point played a role in the conflict. The railroad made it a strategic point for transporting troops and supplies. After the war, the city rebuilt quickly, thanks in part to its strong **Quaker community** — early settlers who valued education, hard work, and equality. The **Quaker influence on High Point** is still visible today in the city's historic architecture and community values. ## The Rise of the Furniture Industry — 1880s to 1900s High Point's transformation into the **Furniture Capital of the World** began in the **1880s** when local entrepreneurs recognized the region's abundant hardwood forests and railroad access as the perfect combination for furniture manufacturing. By **1905**, the city hosted its first **Southern Furniture Exposition** — the predecessor to today's legendary **High Point Market**. Factories sprang up across the city, drawing workers and families from across the Southeast. ## High Point Market — A Global Tradition Since 1909 The **High Point Market** (originally the Southern Furniture Market) has been held twice a year since **1909**, making it one of the longest-running trade shows in the world. Today, it draws over **75,000 attendees** from around the globe, filling the city's 180+ buildings with the latest in home furnishings and design. It's the single largest event in **High Point's history** and continues to define the city's identity and economy. ## The 1920s Boom — High Point's Golden Era The **1920s** were a golden era for High Point. The furniture industry was booming, new neighborhoods were being built, and the city's population surged. Many of High Point's most charming **historic homes and bungalows** — including the beautifully restored **1920s home that is now Hygge High Point** — were built during this period. The architecture from this era reflects the craftsmanship and optimism of a city on the rise, with original **hardwood floors, detailed millwork, and classic Southern porches**. ## High Point University — Education Meets Community Founded in **1924**, **High Point University** has grown from a small Methodist college into one of the most respected private universities in the Southeast. The campus is a destination in itself, featuring manicured gardens, public art installations, and a welcoming atmosphere. HPU has played a vital role in shaping **High Point's culture and economy**, bringing students, faculty, and families to the city for nearly a century. ## The World's Largest Chest of Drawers No history of High Point would be complete without mentioning the **World's Largest Chest of Drawers** — a 38-foot-tall roadside landmark built in **1926** (and rebuilt in 1996) to celebrate the city's furniture heritage. This quirky piece of **High Point history** has become one of North Carolina's most photographed landmarks and a must-see for visitors exploring the **Piedmont Triad**. ## Civil Rights History in High Point High Point played a significant role in the **Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina**. In **1960**, students from **William Penn High School** staged sit-ins at segregated lunch counters in downtown High Point, inspired by the Greensboro sit-ins just miles away. These brave acts of protest helped advance desegregation across the state and remain an important chapter in **High Point's history**. ## Modern High Point — A City Reimagined Today, **High Point, NC** is experiencing a renaissance. Downtown revitalization projects are transforming historic buildings into **restaurants, breweries, art galleries, and boutique shops**. The city's **Catalyst Project** is a multi-million-dollar initiative to create a vibrant urban core with green spaces, mixed-use development, and pedestrian-friendly streets. High Point is honoring its past while building an exciting future. ## Experience High Point's History Firsthand The best way to experience **High Point's rich history** is to stay in a piece of it. **Hygge High Point** is a lovingly restored **1920s home** that captures the charm of the city's golden era — with **original hardwood floors**, period character, and modern comforts. Located just minutes from **downtown High Point**, the **High Point Museum**, and all the city's best attractions, it's the perfect home base for exploring everything this historic city has to offer. Whether you're visiting for **High Point Market**, tracing the city's **furniture heritage**, or simply enjoying a **weekend getaway in the Piedmont Triad**, Hygge High Point lets you live a little piece of history yourself. HYGGE _High Point_ ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "VacationRental", "name": "Hygge High Point", "description": "A beautifully updated 1920s historic home with boho décor, fenced yard, propane firepit, and pet-friendly policy in High Point, NC. Sleeps 5 guests with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Features include keyless entry, smart thermostat, fast Wi-Fi, full kitchen, washer & dryer, air conditioning, smart TV, and street parking. 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From its founding as a railroad hub to becoming the Furniture Capital of the World — discover the story behind this charming Piedmont Triad city.", "image": "/assets/high-point-nc-history-BvYHuguj.jpg", "datePublished": "March 8, 2026", "dateModified": "March 8, 2026", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Rather Be Properties", "url": "https://ratherbeproperties.com" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Hygge High Point", "url": "https://www.hyggehighpoint.com" }, "url": "https://www.hyggehighpoint.com/blog/history-of-high-point-nc", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.hyggehighpoint.com/blog/history-of-high-point-nc" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.hyggehighpoint.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://www.hyggehighpoint.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "The History of High Point, NC — From Railroad Town to Furniture Capital of the World", "item": "https://www.hyggehighpoint.com/blog/history-of-high-point-nc" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the history of High Point, North Carolina?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "High Point was founded in the 1850s as the highest point on the North Carolina Railroad between Goldsboro and Charlotte — hence the name. It grew into a major furniture manufacturing hub due to abundant hardwood forests and rail access. The first Southern Furniture Exposition (now High Point Market) was held in 1909, establishing High Point as the Furniture Capital of the World. The city is also the birthplace of jazz legend John Coltrane." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why is High Point called the Furniture Capital of the World?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "High Point earned the title Furniture Capital of the World because of its deep roots in furniture manufacturing dating to the late 1800s, abundant hardwood forests, and the establishment of the Southern Furniture Exposition in 1909 (now the High Point Market). Today the biannual Market draws 75,000+ visitors and features 12+ million square feet of showroom space." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Was John Coltrane from High Point NC?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Jazz legend John Coltrane was born in Hamlet, NC in 1926 but grew up in High Point, where he first picked up the saxophone. The city honors his legacy with a bronze statue on Commerce Avenue downtown and annual jazz events. The John Coltrane heritage is a significant cultural attraction in High Point." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When was the first High Point Market held?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The first Southern Furniture Exposition was held in High Point in 1909. It has since grown into the High Point Market, the world's largest home furnishings trade show, held biannually and drawing approximately 75,000 visitors each event." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the Mendenhall Plantation in High Point?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Mendenhall Plantation is a historic Quaker homestead in High Point dating to 1811. It is one of the best-preserved examples of Quaker architecture in the South and served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Today it operates as a museum with guided tours." } } ] } ] ```