Discovering the Heart of Belmont: Point Crossing’s Rich History
Nestled along the gentle bend of the Catawba River, Point Crossing stands as one of Belmont, NC’s most beloved neighborhoods—a place where generations have made memories, neighbors greet each other by name, and echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the present. As a longtime resident, I’m proud to share the stories and milestones that make Point Crossing truly unique.
How Point Crossing Got Its Name
Many wonder about the origins of our neighborhood’s distinctive name. “Point Crossing” refers to the sharp peninsula, or “point,” where old trade routes once intersected near the banks of the Catawba. During Belmont’s textile heyday, riverboats and wagons converged here, making it a bustling hub for commerce and community life. The name pays homage to both the geographical feature and the spirit of connection that still defines our area today.
Humble Beginnings: Settlers and Early Growth
The area now known as Point Crossing began as fertile timberland owned by the Garwood family, whose farmhouse once overlooked what is now Riverbend Drive. In the late 1800s, as Belmont expanded with the arrival of the railroad, plots of land along what’s now Cedar Knoll Road were divided into homesteads for textile mill workers.
- Milestone: The opening of Point Crossing’s first general store in 1908, operated by the Branson family, marked the birth of the neighborhood center. The store’s location at the corner of Cedar Knoll Road and Point Crossing Avenue became a gathering spot for news and community celebrations.
Landmarks and Legacy
Several landmarks make Point Crossing a window into Belmont’s history:
- The Branson General Store Building: Though now home to a cozy café, this century-old brick building still displays its 1908 cornerstone. Locals love its sun-faded mural, which depicts merchants unloading riverboats on the old wharf.
- Jessup Park: Once farmland, Jessup Park is now the neighborhood’s communal green space. Towering oaks shade the walking trails, while a historical marker commemorates the site as a former meeting ground for early civic leaders.
- St. Paul’s Chapel: Built in 1924 at the corner of Riverbend Drive and Mill Street, this charming clapboard church hosts annual heritage festivals, with members dedicated to preserving the hand-carved pews and original stained glass.
Evolution Through the Decades
Point Crossing has always been shaped by the people who call it home.
The Mill Era
In the 1920s, the booming textile industry transformed Point Crossing into a lively community of mill workers. Row houses sprang up along Mill Street, with neighbors gathering on porches after long shifts. The Point Crossing Library opened in 1935, quickly becoming a beloved institution.
The Postwar Years
After World War II, suburbs began to blossom, and the neighborhood expanded westward. Wide, tree-lined streets such as Magnolia Avenue and Laurel Lane reflect the optimistic postwar years, as families planted gardens and built lasting friendships across backyard fences.
Preservation and Renewal
The late 20th century brought change as new families discovered Point Crossing’s riverside charm. Preservation efforts, led by the Point Crossing Heritage Society, saved several historic homes—including the Victorian-style Lehman House on Maple Street—from development. Revitalization projects in the 1990s converted old warehouses into artist studios, giving rise to the vibrant creative scene seen today.
What Makes Point Crossing Special Today
While so much has changed, the essence of Point Crossing endures. There’s the annual Riverlights Festival at Jessup Park, when neighbors turn out for food, music, and homemade crafts. Children race down Mill Street on their bicycles, just as their grandparents did. Residents still gather on front porches, swapping stories and sharing lemonade on warm Belmont evenings.
Neighborhood traditions—like the St. Paul’s Chili Cook-Off and the autumn Yard Sale Trail along Cedar Knoll Road—keep the community spirit alive. Point Crossing Elementary, tucked between Maple Street and Magnolia Avenue, carries on the neighborhood’s legacy of learning and friendship.
Conclusion: A Neighborhood With Heart
In Point Crossing, every street has a story. Whether you pass the storied corner of Cedar Knoll and Point Crossing Avenue, relax under ancient oaks at Jessup Park, or watch the sun set over the Catawba from Riverbend Drive, you’re part of a living history. Our neighborhood stands as a reminder that communities are built not just on land, but on the connections we share and the memories we create together.
Come for the history—stay for the neighborly warmth. That’s the magic of Point Crossing.