Our Story: Modernization & Resilience, 1920-1939

The 1920s and 1930s were a period of modernization and adaptation for Caldwell County. In 1920, electricity arrived in Hudson, transforming businesses that had previously relied on steam power. Infrastructure and education expanded with Central High School (later Lenoir High) opening in 1922, Kings Creek School in 1926, Gamewell Elementary in 1931, and Freedman High School in 1932. Granite Falls and Hudson developed municipal water systems, while Southern Power (now Duke Energy) established a plant in Rhodhiss in 1925. Blue Ridge Energy was started by farmers in 1936 as Caldwell County Electric Membership Corp.

Central High School’s First Football Team
Source: Caldwell County Archives

1920s Power Plant Construction Photo
Central High School first football team 1922 photo

Business and industry also advanced. Belk opened in Lenoir in 1928, and Hudson welcomed its first bicycle shop in 1920. Granite Falls began purchasing electricity from Southern Power in 1927, supporting local commerce and factories.

Through the Great Depression, resources were limited, but families continued to farm and look out for their neighbors. The furniture industry remained a cornerstone, preparing the county for the economic demands of World War II.

1920s Power Plant Construction in Rhodhiss
Source:  Sherrie Hartsoe Sigmon

Public works and community programs helped sustain the county. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) operated camps in Buffalo, Edgemont, and Mortimer, building roads and infrastructure, while the Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed municipal buildings and schools, including the Rhodhiss School (1938). Volunteer fire departments were organized, and libraries opened to serve the community, highlighting civic growth amid economic challenges.

1939 Mill Workers
Source: Sherrie Hartsoe Sigmon


1939 mills workers
1935-1939 Mortimer CCCamp Bridge
1920s Green Mountain Water Reservoir Testing

Mortimer Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Bridge
Source: Caldwell County Archives, Kevin LeFevers Collection
Restored by Bill Tate

Green Mountain Water Reservoir Testing 
Source: Caldwell County Archives, 
Joe Hartley Collection Restored by Bill Tate

Modernization & Resilience

Young men from Harpertown 1930s and Cane Branch School
First 4H Club Hiking in Edgemont
American War Mothers
Collettsville School 1st grade
Hudson High School Band
Caldwell County Membership Corp
Collage Grandin Women and Lumber Company and Chamber women fishing
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Caldwell County Membership Corp

Sources: This panel draws on Town of Hudson website; Granite Falls History and Transportation Museum; Nancy Alexander, “Here Will I Dwell;” Vickie Mason, “Historical and Architectural Development of Caldwell County,” 1987; Gamewell History Museum; John O. Hawkins, “History of Buffalo Cove;” and Sherrie Hartsoe Sigmon.