Bessemer City, North Carolina Population, Schools and Places of Interest
According to whicheverhealth.com, Bessemer City, North Carolina is a small city located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a population of about 5,500 people and is bordered by Gastonia to the west, Kings Mountain to the east, Shelby to the south and Lincolnton to the north.
The city was founded in 1887 when two brothers, Charles and William Bessemer, purchased land from local farmers. The brothers intended to build a town that would be a major center of industry in the area. They named it Bessemer City after themselves and built a railroad line that connected it with other nearby towns. The town soon became known for its textile mills which attracted many workers from surrounding communities who came looking for jobs.
Today Bessemer City is still home to several industrial sites including furniture factories and machine shops that employ many people from the surrounding area. The city also boasts several recreational facilities such as ball fields, tennis courts and parks which offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Bessemer City is bordered by several other cities and towns in North Carolina including Gastonia which lies just 6 miles west of Bessemer City. Gastonia is known for its historic downtown area which features several restaurants, shops and galleries as well as a performing arts center where visitors can take in live music or theater performances.
Kings Mountain lies just 8 miles east of Bessemer City and is home to Kings Mountain National Military Park which commemorates an important Revolutionary War battle fought there in 1780. This park offers visitors plenty of opportunity to explore its history with trails winding through fields where soldiers once fought or picnic areas with views of nearby mountainside scenery or Lake Wylie which borders the park’s northern boundary.
Shelby lies just 15 miles south of Bessemer City and offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation with its numerous parks such as Shelby Community Park which features walking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas or Riverbend Park located along Lake Wylie’s shoreline where guests can enjoy fishing or kayaking on its calm waters.
Finally, Lincolnton lies about 30 miles north of Bessemer City and features several attractions worth exploring such as Historic Rural Hill Farm where visitors can learn about local history dating back to 1760 or view art exhibits at Lincolnton’s Arts Council Gallery located downtown near the courthouse square.
Population of Bessemer City, North Carolina
According to ACT-TEST-CENTERS, Bessemer City, North Carolina is a small city located in the western part of Gaston County. According to the 2010 census, the population of Bessemer City was 5,340 people, making it the sixth largest city in Gaston County. The population has since grown to an estimated 6,811 people as of 2019.
The racial makeup of Bessemer City is mostly White (63.3%), followed by African American (29.3%), Hispanic or Latino (4.1%), Asian (2.0%) and other races (1.3%). The median age of Bessemer City residents is 37 years old, with 24% of the population being under 18 years old and 11% over 65 years old.
The majority of Bessemer City residents are employed in blue-collar occupations such as manufacturing and construction at 32%, followed by office and administrative support at 22%, sales and service occupations at 17%, transportation and material moving jobs at 11%, production occupations at 8% and management occupations at 7%.
Bessemer City’s economy consists mainly of furniture manufacturers, machine shops, recreational facilities such as ball fields, tennis courts and parks which offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities as well as food services establishments such as restaurants, bars and fast-food chains which employ many people from the surrounding area.
The poverty rate in Bessemer City is 15%, slightly higher than the state average of 13%. The median household income for residents was $37,936 in 2019 which is slightly lower than both state ($50,584) and national ($61,937) averages. However, despite its lower incomes compared to other cities or towns in North Carolina, Bessemer City’s unemployment rate remains low at 3.7%.
Overall, Bessemer City is a small but vibrant city that offers its residents plenty of opportunities for employment within its industrial sites or recreational facilities while also providing them with access to nearby cities such as Gastonia or Kings Mountain where they can take advantage of their cultural attractions or outdoor recreation activities along Lake Wylie’s shoreline.
Schools and Education in Bessemer City, North Carolina
Bessemer City, North Carolina offers its residents an excellent education system. The city is served by Gaston County Schools, which is the second largest school district in the state. The district has 19 elementary schools, 8 middle schools and 5 high schools. Bessemer City is also home to two private schools: Bessemer City Christian Academy and Community Baptist Christian School.
Gaston County Schools provides students with rigorous academic instruction, including Advanced Placement courses and a variety of electives such as art, music and technology classes. The district also offers a strong athletics program with competitive teams in all sports from football to tennis to track & field. In addition to the academics and athletics programs, the district also provides students with a variety of extracurricular activities such as robotics clubs, mock trial teams and a wide range of student organizations.
The city’s public high school is Bessemer City High School (BCHS). BCHS offers an extensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses in English Language & Composition, US History & Government and Calculus AB & BC as well as electives such as Spanish language classes or Music Theory & Appreciation. BCHS also boasts several national award-winning sports teams that have competed at the state level in football, basketball, baseball and softball.
In addition to the public school system, Bessemer City also has two private schools: Bessemer City Christian Academy (BCCA) and Community Baptist Christian School (CBCS). BCCA provides its students with an education based on Biblical principles while CBCS focuses on creating an environment where children can grow spiritually while developing intellectually through their Core Knowledge curriculum which covers language arts, math, science and social studies. Both private schools offer small class sizes so that each student can receive individualized attention from teachers who truly care about their students’ success.
Overall, Bessemer City’s education system offers something for everyone whether it be rigorous academics or competitive sports teams at its public high school or a spiritual education from its two private schools. With its low teacher-to-student ratio in classrooms along with its emphasis on providing quality educational opportunities for all students regardless of income level or background makes it clear why Bessemer City is considered one of North Carolina’s best cities for education.
Places of Interest in Bessemer City, North Carolina
Bessemer City, North Carolina is an up-and-coming city located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is known for its scenic views, outdoor activities, and vibrant culture. From its historic downtown to its modern attractions, Bessemer City has something for everyone.
For those interested in history and culture, downtown Bessemer City is a great place to start. Here you will find a variety of museums and historical sites such as the Bessemer City Historical Museum and the Gaston County Museum. The downtown area also features unique shops offering everything from antiques to handmade crafts. Additionally, there are several art galleries showcasing local artists’ work as well as live music venues featuring local musicians.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Bessemer City has plenty to offer. The city boasts several parks featuring walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and more. There are also several lakes in the area perfect for fishing or boating excursions. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Catawba River provides excellent opportunities for kayaking or tubing trips.
For those seeking more modern attractions, Bessemer City also offers plenty of options. The city has two shopping centers with popular stores such as Target and Kohl’s as well as several restaurants ranging from fast food joints to upscale steakhouses. Additionally, there are a few movie theaters showing all of the latest releases along with an arcade where you can test your skills at classic games like pinball and air hockey.
No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for—whether it be cultural exploration or outdoor recreation—Bessemer City has something for everyone! With its wide array of attractions ranging from historic sites to modern amenities; this small town offers a unique experience that can be enjoyed by all ages!
