Concord is the largest city in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and serves as the county seat.
The town of Concord, situated in the fast-developing northeast section of the Charlotte metropolitan area, was initially established around 1750 by immigrants from Germany and Scotland. The term “Concord” signifies bringing things into agreement.
Concord is situated to the northeast of Charlotte, which is the largest city in North Carolina. As the second-largest city in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area, Concord is approximately midway between Charlotte and Salisbury.
Concord experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by moderate to chilly winters and hot, muggy summers.
The city had a population of 105,240 individuals, with 30,660 households and 21,013 families, according to the 2020 census.
As per the 2000 Religion63% of residents in the area are members of a local religious organization. Concord has numerous churches, such as Temple Or Olam for the Jewish community and various Islamic worship centers like The Islamic Center of Concord.
Concord’s economy boasts a diverse mix of industries, including thriving shipping and transportation, banking, manufacturing, motorsports, and service sectors, all of which contribute to the city’s vibrant economic landscape.
In Concord, there is a variety of small businesses and a number of significant employers like A Cabarrus County Schools, Shoe Show, Inc., Celgard LLC, Connextions, Roush Fenway Racing, Sysco Foods, S&D Coffee, and Motor Racing Network. Additionally, the city used to have a company called CT Communications, which was later purchased by Windstream in 2007. ACN Inc. has its global headquarters located in Concord.
Concord’s downtown area is characterized by a diverse range of merchants, including those offering unique antiques, valuable collectibles, and handmade crafts. Additionally, the city hosts a seasonal farmers market, providing fresh produce and local goods. Concord is also home to the expansive retail destination Concord Mills and the renowned Charlotte Motor Speedway, which serve as the city’s primary economic engines.
The Cabarrus County Courthouse, a historic landmark, was erected in 1876 and features a 16-foot marble Civil War monument that was dedicated in 1892, prominently situated on the front lawn. Recognized for its importance, the courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Today, the building houses the Cabarrus Arts Council, the Davis Theater, and Historic Cabarrus, serving as a hub for artistic and cultural expression.
Concord is where you can find Charlotte Motor Speedway, which is home to a NASCAR Research serves as the main research headquarters for touring and sportscar racing operations. The city is also the location of various professional race teams, including Hendrick Motorsports, RFK Racing, Legacy Motor Club, and Chip Ganassi Racing. The speedway was established in 1959 by owner Bruton Smith, a native of Oakboro, North Carolina. Smith’s company, Speedway Motorsports, Inc., is the owner of Charlotte Motor Speedway and also operates a dragstrip and dirt track facility nearby. Additionally, Concord is the base of Windshear, Inc., a company that possesses a cutting-edge wind tunnel facility primarily used for testing the aerodynamics of vehicles, particularly those in the motorsports industry.
Concord boasts a diverse array of attractions, catering to a wide range of interests. Visitors can enjoy a pair of shopping malls, a museum, a family-friendly resort, a high-speed NASCAR track, and a versatile arena and events center that serves the entire county.
* Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
* Carolina Mall
* Charlotte Motor Speedway
* Concord Mills
* Great Wolf Lodge
* zMax Dragway
Concord’s neighborhoods enjoy access to a variety of recreational facilities, including three community centers, eight parks, and four sports complexes. The city also features an aquatics center with open swimming and swim lessons, as well as Lake Fisher, which offers 3 miles (4.8 km) of lakefront and 534 acres (2.16 km2) of boating, fishing, greenways, and bike paths. Additionally, the City of Concord owns and operates the 18-hole Rocky River Golf Club, a championship course designed by Dan Maples and managed by a contracted company.
In Concord, the city operates under a council-manager system of government. The mayor and city council members are chosen by voters to serve four-year terms, without any restrictions on the number of terms they can serve. The city council, acting as a united group, wields the majority of authority within the city’s government structure.
Concord offers educational options through both public and private schools that cater to students from elementary through higher education levels. The Cabarrus County Schools system serves the public schools in the area, which consist of 12 elementary schools, seven middle schools, and five high schools. Additionally, there are private schools such as Cannon School and Concord First Assembly Academy available in the local area.
Post-secondary education options in the area include:
* Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
* Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
* Barber-Scotia College
Concord is conveniently connected to nearby cities via Interstate 85, which runs directly to Greensboro and Durham in the northeast and Charlotte, Greenville, South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia in the southwest. The interstate highway is designed with eight lanes, divided equally between northbound and southbound traffic, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic through the city. Additionally, Interstate 485 is situated southwest of Concord and runs parallel to the Cabarrus-Mecklenburg County line, providing a convenient route to the Charlotte area. For those looking for an alternative to Interstate 85, US Highway 29 and US Highway 601 pass through Concord and offer access to other parts of the Carolinas. Notably, US 29 serves as a parallel route to Interstate 85 for a significant portion of the distance between Charlotte and Greensboro.
Notable Individuals
Acclaimed musicians Scott and Seth Avett, known for their bluegrass-rock sound, have received Grammy nominations for their work as The Avett Brothers.
Actress, writer, and producer Carol Barbee has had a successful career in both television and film.
Joshua Boger, the founder and former CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX), a company listed on the S&P 500 index, has had a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Leaky Black, a talented college basketball player, has been making a name for himself on the court as a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels team.
Warren Clay Coleman was born into slavery but went on to achieve success as a prosperous entrepreneur in Concord. In 1896, he played a pivotal role in establishing the first textile mill owned and operated by African Americans in the United States.
Jackie Fargo, retired pro wrestler at age 50.
Bill Fetzer is a coach for college football, basketball, and baseball.
Billy Goodman is a professional baseball player who has played for both the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox.
Jay Graham, a former running back in college and the NFL, is now working as an assistant coach at Florida State University.
Senator Fletcher L. Hartsell Jr. of North Carolina
Jody Hill is a filmmaker who works as a director, writer, producer, and actor.
Former NFL Cornerback Jimmy Hitchcock
Nikita Koloff is a former professional wrestler who competed in WCW.
Ex-NFL wide receiver Lance Lewis