Editing Davidson County, North Carolina

{{Short description|County in North Carolina, United States}}
{{Distinguish|Davidson, North Carolina}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
 | county               = Davidson County
 | state                = North Carolina
 | seal                 = Davidson County nc seal.jpg
 | founded              = 1822
 | named for            = [[William Lee Davidson]]
 | seat wl              = Lexington
 | largest city wl      = Thomasville
 | city type            = community
 | area_total_sq_mi     = 567.70
 | area_land_sq_mi      = 553.18
 | area_water_sq_mi     = 14.52
 | area percentage      = 2.56
 | population_as_of     = 2020
 | population_total     = 168930
 | pop_est_as_of        = 2023
 | population_est       = 174804 {{gain}}
 | population_density_sq_mi = 305.38
 | coordinates          = {{coord|35.80|-80.21|type:adm2nd_region:US-NC_source:USCensusBureau2020gazetteerfiles|display=inline,title}}
 | web                  = www.co.davidson.nc.us
 | ex image             = Davidson County NC Courthouse.jpg
 | ex image cap         = Davidson County Courthouse in Lexington
 | district             = 6th
 | time zone            = Eastern
 | logo                 = Davidson County Logo.png
 | flag                 = Davidson County Flag.gif
}}

'''Davidson County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[North Carolina]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 168,930.<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/> Its [[county seat]] is [[Lexington, North Carolina|Lexington]],<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> and its largest community is [[Thomasville, North Carolina|Thomasville]].

Davidson County is included in the [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina|Winston-Salem]], NC [[Metropolitan Statistical Area]], which is also included in the [[Piedmont Triad|Greensboro–Winston-Salem–High Point, NC Combined Statistical Area]].

Parts of Davidson County are in the [[Yadkin Valley AVA]].

==History==
[[File:Old Davidson County Courthouse 1.png|thumb|right|[[Old Davidson County Courthouse (Lexington, North Carolina)|Old Davidson County Courthouse]] in Lexington]]
The original North Carolina county of this name was created in 1786 what was then the far western portion of North Carolina, with its county seat at [[Nashville]] and a territory covering most of what is now [[Middle Tennessee]]. When Tennessee was established as a separate state in 1796, this county became [[Davidson County, Tennessee]].

The current North Carolina county was formed in 1822 from [[Rowan County, North Carolina|Rowan County]]. It was named after Brigadier General [[William Lee Davidson]], an [[American Revolutionary War]] general killed at the [[Battle of Cowan's Ford]] on the [[Catawba River]] in 1781.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northcarolinagenealogy.net/north-carolina-counties/davidson/|title=Davidson County Genealogy|publisher=North Carolina Genealogy|access-date=April 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430042923/http://www.northcarolinagenealogy.net/north-carolina-counties/davidson/|archive-date=April 30, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ | title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States | publisher=Govt. Print. Off. | author=Gannett, Henry | year=1905 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n100 101]}}</ref>

The [[Silver Hill Mine]], the first silver mine in the United States, opened in Davidson County in 1839.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 7, 2016 |title=Nineteenth Century Silver Mining in Davidson County |url=https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2016/01/07/nineteenth-century-silver-mining-davidson-county |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407044400/https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2016/01/07/nineteenth-century-silver-mining-davidson-county |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources}}</ref>

In 1911, a new county called Piedmont County was proposed, with [[High Point, North Carolina|High Point]] as its county seat, to be created from [[Guilford County, North Carolina|Guilford]], Davidson and [[Randolph County, North Carolina|Randolph Counties]]. Many people appeared at the Guilford County courthouse to oppose the plan, vowing to go to the state legislature to protest. The state legislature voted down the plan in February 1911.<ref>Jack Scism, "Remember When?", ''Greensboro News & Record'', January 23, 2011.</ref><ref>Jack Scism, "Remember When?", ''Greensboro News & Record'', February 6, 2011.</ref>

==Geography==
{{maplink|frame=yes|zoom=8|id=Q511713|type=shape-inverse|text=Interactive map of Davidson County}}
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|567.70|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|553.18|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|14.52|sqmi}} (2.56%) is water.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2022 |title=2020 County Gazetteer Files – North Carolina |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_counties_37.txt |access-date=September 9, 2023 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

Davidson County is located entirely within the [[Piedmont (United States)|Piedmont]] region of central North Carolina. The Piedmont consists of gently rolling terrain frequently broken by hills or shallow valleys formed by rivers and streams. An exception to this terrain are the [[Uwharrie Mountains]] in the county's western and southwestern sections. The Uwharries are the oldest mountain range in [[North America]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunter |first=Earl |title=Uwharrie National Forest - North Carolina |url=https://www.blackfolkscamptoo.com/events/uwharrie-national-forest-north-carolina/ |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=Black Folks Camp Too |language=en-US}}</ref> and at one time they rose to nearly {{convert|20000|ft|m}} above sea level. However, time has worn them down to little more than high hills; yet due to the relative flatness of the surrounding countryside they still rise from 250 to {{convert|500|ft|m}} above their base. The highest point in the Uwharries - and the highest point in Davidson County - is High Rock Mountain in the county's southwestern corner. It has an elevation of {{convert|1119|ft|m}} above sea level.

===National protected area===
* [[Uwharrie National Forest]] (part)

===State and local protected areas===
* [[Boone's Cave Park]]
* [[Lake Thom-A-Lex Park]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Lake Thom-A-Lex Park |url=https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/facilities/facility/details/Lake-ThomALex-Park-11 |access-date=July 24, 2022 |website=Davidson County, NC |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Uwharrie Game Land]] (part)<ref name="NCWRC Game Lands">{{Cite web |title=NCWRC Game Lands |url=https://www.ncpaws.org/ncwrcmaps/gamelands |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=www.ncpaws.org}}</ref>
* [[Yadkin River Game Land]] (part)<ref name="NCWRC Game Lands"/>

===Major water bodies===
* [[Abbotts Creek (North Carolina)|Abbotts Creek]]
* [[Badin Lake]]
* [[High Rock Lake]]
* [[Lake Thom-A-Lex]]<ref name=":0"/>
* [[South Potts Creek (North Carolina)|South Potts Creek]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=South Potts Creek (in Davidson County, NC) |url=https://northcarolina.hometownlocator.com/maps/feature-map,ftc,1,fid,1022713,n,south%20potts%20creek.cfm |access-date=April 14, 2023 |website=northcarolina.hometownlocator.com}}</ref>
* [[Tuckertown Reservoir]]
* [[Yadkin River]]

===Adjacent counties===
* [[Forsyth County, North Carolina|Forsyth County]] – north
* [[Guilford County, North Carolina|Guilford County]] – northeast
* [[Randolph County, North Carolina|Randolph County]] – east
* [[Montgomery County, North Carolina|Montgomery County]] – south
* [[Stanly County, North Carolina|Stanly County]] – southwest
* [[Rowan County, North Carolina|Rowan County]] – southwest
* [[Davie County, North Carolina|Davie County]] – west

===Major highways===
* {{Jct|state=NC|I|85}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|I|285}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|29}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|52}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|64}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|70}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|8}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|47}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|49}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|62}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|68}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|109}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|150}}

===Major infrastructure===
* [[Davidson County Airport]]
* [[Lexington station (North Carolina)|Lexington Station]]

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1830= 13389
|1840= 14606
|1850= 15320
|1860= 16601
|1870= 17414
|1880= 20333
|1890= 21702
|1900= 23403
|1910= 29404
|1920= 35201
|1930= 47865
|1940= 53377
|1950= 62244
|1960= 79493
|1970= 95627
|1980= 113162
|1990= 126677
|2000= 147246
|2010= 162878
|2020= 168930
|estyear=2023
|estimate=174804
|estref=<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 14, 2015}}</ref><br />1790–1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=January 14, 2015|archive-date=August 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811110448/http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/|url-status=dead}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/nc190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|editor-last=Forstall|editor-first=Richard L.|date=March 27, 1995|access-date=January 14, 2015}}</ref><br />1990–2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|date=April 2, 2001|access-date=January 14, 2015}}</ref> 2010<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37057.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 19, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606235301/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37057.html|archive-date=June 6, 2011}}</ref> 2020<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/davidsoncountynorthcarolina|title=QuickFacts: Davidson County, North Carolina|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 21, 2024}}</ref>
}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|+Davidson County racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US37057&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 20, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Race
!scope="col"| Number
!scope="col"| Percentage
|-
!scope="row"| [[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
| 129,487
| 76.65%
|-
!scope="row"| [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
| 15,839
| 9.38%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
| 665
| 0.39%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
| 2,440
| 1.44%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]]
| 43
| 0.03%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
| 6,554
| 3.88%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
| 13,902
| 8.23%
|}

As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], there were 168,930 people, 69,938 households, and 49,037 families residing in the county.

===2010 census===
At the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> there were 149,331 people, 58,156 households, and 42,512 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|267|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 62,432 housing units at an average density of {{convert|113|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the county was 84.05% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 11.14% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.37% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.82% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.01% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.66% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.94% from two or more races. 3.24% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.

There were 58,156 households, out of which 32.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.00% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.90% were non-families. 22.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.30% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 31.20% from 25 to 44, 24.10% from 45 to 64, and 12.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $38,640, and the median income for a family was $46,241. Males had a median income of $31,287 versus $23,622 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $18,703. About 7.00% of families and 10.10% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 13.30% of people under age 18 and 12.10% of those age 65 or over.

==Government and politics==
[[File:Davidson County NC Governmental Center.jpg|thumb|left|Davidson County Governmental Center in Lexington]]
Davidson County was one of the first areas of North Carolina to turn Republican, doing so long before other areas of conservative white voters shifted away from the Democrats. No Democratic presidential nominee has carried the county since [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] defeated [[Thomas E. Dewey]] by a mere ten votes out of almost 19,000 in [[1944 United States presidential election in North Carolina|1944]]. It was one of only 13 counties out of 100 in the state to vote for [[Barry Goldwater]] over [[Lyndon Johnson]] in [[1964 United States presidential election in North Carolina|1964]], and the last Democrat to garner even one-third of the county's vote was [[Jimmy Carter]] in [[1980 United States presidential election in North Carolina|1980]].

{{PresHead|place=Davidson County, North Carolina|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=March 15, 2018}}</ref>|source2=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://geoelections.free.fr/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051118120032/http://geoelections.free.fr/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 18, 2005|title=Géographie électorale|website=geoelections.free.fr|access-date=January 13, 2021}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|67,959|24,150|1,343|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|64,658|22,636|1,220|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|54,317|18,109|2,430|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|49,383|20,624|928|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|45,419|22,433|729|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|42,075|17,191|230|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|35,387|16,199|461|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1996|Republican|24,797|13,593|3,817|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|24,869|16,462|8,394|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|28,374|13,215|73|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|30,471|11,469|61|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|22,794|14,579|896|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|18,813|17,859|183|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|24,875|7,691|696|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|16,678|7,594|11,544|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1964|Republican|17,292|13,735|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|18,797|13,118|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|16,178|9,987|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|14,299|10,931|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|8,539|7,991|784|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|9,445|9,455|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|6,978|11,084|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|7,656|10,844|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|6,051|9,292|157|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|8,960|5,220|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|6,227|6,507|56|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|5,960|4,797|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|2,801|2,675|12|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|1,509|2,484|1,165|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|2,340|2,126|24|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|2,054|2,017|28|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|2,329|1,823|45|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1896|Republican|2,375|2,072|34|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1892|Democratic|1,837|1,928|510|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1888|Republican|2,346|2,023|97|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1884|Republican|2,097|1,900|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresFoot|1880|Republican|1,864|1,781|10|North Carolina}}

Davidson County is a member of the regional [[Councils of governments in North Carolina|Piedmont Triad Council of Governments]].

Davidson County gained national attention when [[Gerald Hege]], Sheriff from 1994 to 2003, became a minor celebrity for his unconventional prisoner treatment methods.

===County Commissioners===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! Office<ref>{{Cite web |title=County Commissioners |url=https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/487/County-Commissioners |access-date=February 13, 2024 |website=www.co.davidson.nc.us}}</ref> !! Holder !! Party !! Term expires
|- {{Party shading/Republican}}
| County Commissioner (chair) || Todd Yates || Republican || 2028
|- {{Party shading/Republican}}
| County Commissioner (vice chair) || Karen Watford || Republican || 2026
|- {{Party shading/Republican}}
| County Commissioner || Chris Elliott || Republican || 2026
|- {{Party shading/Republican}}
| County Commissioner || Fred McClure || Republican || 2028
|- {{Party shading/Republican}}
| County Commissioner || Matt Mizell || Republican || 2026
|- {{Party shading/Republican}}
| County Commissioner || Steve Shell || Republican || 2026
|- {{Party shading/Republican}}
| County Commissioner || Tripp Kester || Republican || 2028
|}

==Education==
Davidson County is served by [[Davidson County Schools]]; however, the cities of Thomasville and Lexington have their own [[school district]]s. Davidson County Schools is one of the county's largest employers.

Davidson County is also served by [[Davidson-Davie Community College]], a comprehensive community college that is a member school of the North Carolina Community College System. Davidson-Davie Community College was chartered in 1958 as an Industrial Education Center designed to provide adults with the education and skills needed to move from an agricultural to a manufacturing-based economy.

In 1965, the institution was chartered as Davidson County Community College. The Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees were added to the existing Associate in Applied Science degree, Diploma, and Certificate programs. University transfer courses were added in 1966. In 1997, the college participated in the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) that allows college transfer students to move easily to the 16 UNC schools, as well as many independent college and universities. Presently the Davidson Campus has grown to 11 buildings and two emergency services training facilities on approximately {{convert|97|acre|m2}}.

==Attractions==
[[File:Lexington NC Arts United of Davidson County.jpg|thumb|Arts United of Davidson County]]

===Festivals===
One of the county's most famous attractions is the yearly [[Lexington Barbecue Festival]], held in the city of [[Lexington, North Carolina|Lexington]] during the month of October, bringing in over 100,000 visitors from all over the southeastern U.S. There is also a yearly Davidson County Agriculture Fair held in September. [[Thomasville, NC|Thomasville]] hosts an annual "Everybody's Day Festival",<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.everybodysday.com/|title=Everybody's Day {{!}} Thomasville, North Carolina Chamber of Commerce|website=www.everybodysday.com|language=en-US|access-date=March 15, 2018|archive-date=July 25, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060725074239/http://www.everybodysday.com/|url-status=usurped}}</ref>  the longest running festival in the state. The "Southeastern Old Threshers Reunion"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.threshers.com/farmpark/ |title=Farmpark }}</ref> is held every year at the Denton Farmpark.

===Landmarks===
There are many year-long attractions in Davidson County. Some of which include Historic Uptown Lexington, which consists of the Davidson County Historical Museum located in the old [[courthouse]]. Alongside the Yadkin River sits [[Boone's Cave Park]] where according to legend, a young [[Daniel Boone]] and his family once lived. Other attractions include [[Denton, NC|Denton]] Farm Park, Walter Johnson Camp and Conference Center, and the North Carolina Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The historic [[Wil-Cox Bridge]] spanning the Yadkin River has been preserved for pedestrian traffic and is now part of the Yadkin River Park. The Big Chair in Thomasville is also a major landmark.

===Art===
[[File:Lexington Barbecue Festival - more pigs.jpg|left|thumb|''Pigs on Parade'' during the [[Lexington Barbecue Festival]]]]

[[Pigs in the City]] is an art initiative held each summer in Lexington, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors.

In 2005, Davidson County Community College and the City of Thomasville formed a partnership for the creation of the Thomasville Artisan Center. This art studio allowed the college to reinvigorate its Associate in Fine Arts Degree and offer both university transfer classes as well as adult community interest classes in painting, drawing, and sculpting. The Artisan Center is part of the college's Thomasville Education Center complex which is part of the college's outreach to the community. The college has a second campus in Davie County in the city of Mocksville, as well as the Uptown Lexington Education Center, located within a few blocks of the Arts Center of Davidson County and the historic Court House.

===Barbecue===
One of the two major styles of North Carolina barbecue originated in [[Lexington, NC|Lexington]], the county seat and home to the annual [[Lexington Barbecue Festival]]. Therefore, many Lexington-style barbecue restaurants are found throughout the county. 

===Richard Childress===
Davidson County is home to many supporting race fans and the famous [[Richard Childress]]. It includes his personal [[Childress Vineyards]] and [[Richard Childress Racing Museum]].

===The Big Chair===
Davidson County is also known for its oversized chair, "The Big Chair."  This chair is located in central [[Thomasville, NC|Thomasville]] and is a symbol of Davidson County's [[furniture]] industry.

===High Rock Lake===
{{Main|High Rock Lake}}
[[File:Abbottscreek.jpg|thumb|right|High Rock Lake]]

'''High Rock Lake''' is the northernmost of the [[Uwharrie Lakes]] and the second largest lake in [[North Carolina]] behind [[Lake Norman]]. Its water surface covers {{convert|15180|acre|km2}} and there are {{convert|365|mi|km}} of shoreline. It begins at the confluence of the [[Yadkin River]] and the [[South Yadkin River]]. It has been the host of the [[Bassmaster Classic]] in 1994, 1995 and 1998.<ref>[http://www.campingfriend.com/HighRockLakeMarinaandCampground/ Camping in Piedmont, North Carolina<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050214135636/http://www.campingfriend.com/HighRockLakeMarinaandCampground/ |date=February 14, 2005 }}</ref> and is the site of frequent other local angling competitions. Lexington is just north of the [[Abbotts Creek]] section of the lake.

==Communities==
[[File:Map of Davidson County North Carolina With Municipal and Township Labels.PNG|thumb|300px|Map of Davidson County with municipal and township labels]]

===Cities===
* [[High Point, North Carolina|High Point]] (part)
* [[Lexington, North Carolina|Lexington]] (county seat)
* [[Thomasville, North Carolina|Thomasville]] (largest community)

===Towns===
* [[Denton, North Carolina|Denton]]
* [[Midway, North Carolina|Midway]]
* [[Wallburg, North Carolina|Wallburg]]

===Townships===
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
* Abbotts Creek
* Alleghany
* [[Arcadia, North Carolina|Arcadia]]
* Boone
* [[Conrad Hill, North Carolina|Conrad Hill]]
* Cotton Grove
* Emmons
* Hampton
* Healing Spring
* Jackson Hill
* [[Lexington, North Carolina|Lexington]]
* [[Midway, North Carolina|Midway]]
* Reedy Creek
* [[Silver Hill, North Carolina|Silver Hill]]
* [[Thomasville, North Carolina|Thomasville]]
* [[Tyro, North Carolina|Tyro]]
* [[Yadkin College, North Carolina|Yadkin College]]
{{div col end}}

===Census-designated places===
* [[Southmont, North Carolina|Southmont]]
* [[Tyro, North Carolina|Tyro]]
* [[Welcome, North Carolina|Welcome]]
* [[Yadkin College, North Carolina|Yadkin College]]

===Unincorporated communities===
* [[Arcadia, North Carolina|Arcadia]]
* [[Churchland, North Carolina|Churchland]]
* [[Gordontown, North Carolina|Gordontown]]
* [[Holly Grove, Davidson County, North Carolina|Holly Grove]]
* [[Reeds, North Carolina|Reeds]]
* [[Silver Hill, North Carolina|Silver Hill]]
* [[Silver Valley, North Carolina|Silver Valley]]

==Notable people==
* [[Nia Franklin]], [[Miss America 2019]]
* [[Wilmer David Mizell|Wilmer "Vinegar Bend" Mizell]], Professional Baseball player for the Pirates and Cardinals, and a Congressman who served three terms. (1930–1999)
* [[Max Lanier]] and son [[Hal Lanier]], both Major League Baseball players are from Denton.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sites.google.com/site/memoryyear/denton-nc-stuff/max-lanier |title=Max Lanier History and Photos }}</ref>
* [[Eddie Mathews]], Hall of Fame baseball player, played for Thomasville in 1949 before going
* [[Perry Tuttle]], Former [[National Football League|NFL]] & [[Canadian Football League|CFL]] [[wide receiver]].
* [[Shy Tuttle]], Defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers.

==See also==
* [[List of counties in North Carolina]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Davidson County, North Carolina]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{osmrelation|2528693}}
* {{Official website|https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/}}

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Davidson County, North Carolina
|North     = [[Forsyth County, North Carolina|Forsyth County]]
|Northeast = [[Guilford County, North Carolina|Guilford County]]
|East      = [[Randolph County, North Carolina|Randolph County]]
|Southeast =
|South     = [[Montgomery County, North Carolina|Montgomery County]]
|Southwest = [[Rowan County, North Carolina|Rowan County]] and [[Stanly County, North Carolina|Stanly County]]
|West      =
|Northwest = [[Davie County, North Carolina|Davie County]]
}}
{{Davidson County, North Carolina}}
{{North_Carolina}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Davidson County, North Carolina| ]]
[[Category:1822 establishments in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1822]]