Gastonia
[key], city (2020 pop. 80,411), seat of Gaston co., SW N.C.; inc. 1877.
Once an important textile mill center, the town was the site of the famous
Loray Mill Strike (1929); while unsuccessful, the union's attempt to gain
better pay and working conditions drew worldwide attention. Some textile
manufacturing remains, along with chemicals, machinery, and electronic and
automotive parts. Gaston College is nearby, as is Kings Mountain National
Military Park. The town now is a major residential community for nearby
Charlotte.
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