was formed in 1841 from Rutherford and Lincoln Counties. Cleaveland was originally used, but the present spelling was adopted in 1887. In the SW section of the state, it is bounded by the state of South Carolina and by Rutherford, Burke, Lincoln, and Gaston Counties. It was named for Col. Benjamin Cleveland (1738-1806), noted partisan leader of the W frontier and one of the heroes of the Battle of Kings Mountain. Area: 466 sq. mi. County seat: Shelby, with an elevation of 85 ft. Townships, now numbered 1 to 11, were formerly River, Boiling Springs, Rippys, Kings Mountain, Warlick, Shelby, Sandy Run, Polkville, Double Shoals, Knob Creek, and Casar. Produces wheat, oats, corn, dairy products, hogs, livestock, poultry, soybeans, nursery products, squash, honey, glass products, textiles, bakery products, limestone, and mica.

inc. 1877 as a town between Lawndale and Casar in N central Cleveland County. No longer in existence.

NW Rowan County.

W Johnston County.

community in W Cumberland County. Formerly known as Clifton. Alt. 237.

rises in N Swain County and flows NE into Oconaluftee River.

on the Polk-Henderson county line.

community in E Rutherford County served by post office, 1891-1901.

See Rhodhiss.

SE Wayne County. Est. 1945 on 355 acres given to the state by the Weil family of Goldsboro and others. Cliffs 90 ft. above the Neuse River are an unusual geological feature in E North Carolina. Galax, laurel, and other mountain plants grow there. It is a scenic and recreational park with a nature museum, trails, etc. Swimming and fishing.