Asheboro was established as the county seat of Randolph County in ] 796 and named after former governor Samuel Ashe. The expansion of the railroad in 1889 created a strong textile and furniture industry in Asheboro until other industries emerged during the 1950s and 1960s, diversifying the economy and contributing to its magnetism.

Today, Asheboro is home to industries such as Klaussner Furniture and Energizer Battery, which keep its economy strong and growing.

One of the most interesting Asheboro businesses is P & P Chair Company, established in 1926. In 1955, John F. Kennedy purchased a P & P rocking chair when he was still a Massachusetts senator. Today, the original Kennedy rocking chair is on permanent display at the Kennedy Memorial in Boston. The company continues to make the same model that Kennedy purchased 50 years ago.

Asheboro operates its own city schools, separate from those of Randolph County, and includes an early childhood development cen­ter, five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Randolph Community College enrolls about 2,000 students seeking college credit, associate's degrees or addi­tional training for employment. The school offers 30 different credit programs as well as non-credit coursework.

With 23,000 residents, including an increasing Hispanic population, Asheboro is attracting newcomers from urban areas. This is due in part to its low local tax rates as well as its natural surroundings.

Asheboro is based along the foothills of the Uwhanie Mountains, which con­ tain the highest uplift in eastern North Carolina. The volcanic landforms are considered by many to be the oldest land­ form in North America. The Uwharrie Mountains' 1,000-foot hills were once 20,000-foot peaks, but have been worn down over time.

Southwest of Asheboro, the Uwharrie National Forest is one of four national forests in the state, covering 50,000 acres in Montgomery, Randolph and Davidson counties. The forest offers endless rec­reational activities including hunting, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking and camping in one of the forest's family campgrounds or at a primitive site. Kayakers and fishermen also can enjoy the Yadkin and Pee-Dee rivers, which flow through the forest.

Four major lakes in the area - Jordan, Tillery, Badin and High Rock - provide opportunities for a variety of water activi­ties including swimming, fishing, boating and waterskiing. Lake Lucas, once known as merely a fishing hole, has recently been renovated to include a playground, picnic shelter, walking trail and boat launch. The Deep and Little rivers also contribute to Asheboro's recreational appeal.

Its prime location along Interstate 73 and U.S. 64 provides an easy commute into urban areas of the Triad. The Asheboro Municipal Airport also serves the area.

The airport is the site of the North Carolina Aviation Museum, which has exhibits of warplanes from World War II through the Vietnam War. The museum also displays military uniforms and memorabilia.

The North Carolina Zoological Park ensures Asheboro's continued growth, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. The 500-acre zoo contains the largest natural-habitat zoo in the country:
a 37-acre African plains exhibit. Future plans indicate that the North Carolina Zoo will soon become one of the most prominent zoos in the nation.

Adding to Asheboro's family-oriented community, the Family Sports Center includes a bowling center, miniature golf, a game room and a snack bar. For those who love to shop, Randolph Mall features over 70 stores and is anchored by Belk, JCPenney, Sears, Dillard's and a movie theater.

Racing fans will enjoy the Caraway Speedway, which hosts a number
of races, and the American Classic Motorcycle Museum features antique and classic motorcycles, including a range of Harley-Davidsons.

Located south of Asheboro via 1-73, me town of Seagrove is home to more than 90 area potteries as well as the North Carolina Pottery Center, which features numerous pottery exhibits. Racing fans will enjoy the Richard Petty museum, located north of Asheboro along 1-73 in Randleman.

Attracting businesses and tourists and offering an increasing number of jobs, Asheboro is destined to become a major economic and tourist center in the years to come.