The region currently known as Mount Airy, North Carolina, was originally settled in the 1750s by predominantly English, Scotch-Irish, and German settlers. The native Cheraw people were known to inhabit the area prior to the arrival of these European settlers.[6] As westward expansion progressed following the French and Indian War, Mount Airy started to develop, serving as a stagecoach stop on the road connecting Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Galax, Virginia.[7] The city derived its name from a plantation in the vicinity.[7]
Officially incorporated in 1885, Mount Airy quickly thrived due to the region's abundant natural resources, specifically granite and tobacco.[8] This led to the establishment of the North Carolina Granite Corporation, the world's largest open-face granite quarry.[9] The locally quarried granite has been used in famous structures, including the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Arlington Memorial Bridge.[10][11]
Mount Airy became a significant hub for the textile and furniture manufacturing industries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Companies such as Spencer's Incorporated and Renfro Corporation established mills in the city.[12] However, the latter half of the 20th century brought economic challenges due to increased global competition and industry automation.[13]
In 1977, Mount Airy established its official seal, representing the industries vital to its local economy: furniture manufacturing, textiles, tobacco, and granite quarrying.[14]
Gaining fame as the birthplace of actor Andy Griffith and the believed inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry in the "Andy Griffith Show," Mount Airy capitalized on its connection with the series. It established annual events like Mayberry Days and tourist attractions such as Floyd's Barber Shop and the Andy Griffith Museum.[15][16]
In recognition of its vibrant community life and civic achievements, Mount Airy was named an All American City in 1994.[14]
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 10,676 people, 4,571 households, and 2,530 families residing in the city.
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 10,388 people in 4,934 households. The people per square mile was 891.4. There were 5,296 housing units. The Population percent change from 2000 to 2010 was 22.4% up. The racial makeup of the city was 84.1% White descent, 8.2% African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 2.2% Persons reporting two or more races, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino. Persons per household was 2.10. Average household income was $35,428. Persons below poverty level was 21.1%. High school graduates were 76.9% and bachelor's degree or higher was 25.9%.
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 8,484 people, 3,667 households, and 2,130 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,010.8 inhabitants per square mile (390.3/km2). There were 4,129 housing units at an average density of 491.9 per square mile (189.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 85.34% White descent, 7.99% African American, 0.35% Native American, 2.55% Asian American, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.49% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.87% of the population.
World's largest open faced granite quarry, near Mount Airy.
There were 3,667 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.9% were non-families. 38.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 25.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $26,910, and the median income for a family was $33,412. Males had a median income of $27,299 versus $24,830 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,237. About 17.4% of families and 19.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.7% of those under age 18 and 20.7% of those age 65 or over.
Arts and culture
Mayberry
Actor Andy Griffith was born in Mount Airy, and the town is[25] considered to have been the basis for Mayberry, the setting of the TV shows The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry R.F.D.[26]
The community holds an annual "Mayberry Days" celebration during the last weekend of September; 30,000 attended in 2009, and 90,000 attended for the show's 50th anniversary in 2010. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro estimates the town receives $5 million each year as a result. Surviving members of the cast, along with family members of other cast members, often visit. The 2024 event is slated to have a special appearance by Karen Knotts, Don's daughter.[27]
Several Ford Galaxiepolice cars, painted to resemble those used on the show, give rides to guests.[28] A barber shop has been named "Floyd's."
The Andy Griffith Museum, founded in 2009 by Emmett Forrest, attracts 200 visitors a day.[29][30] The 2,500-square-feet museum, located half a mile from Griffith's childhood home, houses the world's largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia.[31]
Mayberry Days will continue on September 23-29, 2024.[32]
Autumn Leaves Festival
Held the second weekend in October, the Autumn Leaves Festival attracts over 200,000 people to the city during the festival weekend.[33] Vendors sell food and other items, and there is a stage for musicians.[33]
Bluegrass and old-time music
The home of old-time music legend Tommy Jarrell,
bluegrass gospel legends The Easter Brothers, and country singerDonna Fargo, Mount Airy has a long history with regional music. Mount Airy's WPAQ is one of the few Bluegrass and Old-Time music stations still operating and has been airing the live radio show Merry-Go-Round from the Downtown Cinema Theatre since 1948. Weekly bluegrass jam sessions at The Andy Griffith Playhouse and the annual Mount Airy Fiddlers Convention also serve to attract old-time musicians from across the region and the world. The Fiddlers Convention first began in 1972, and is held the first weekend in June at Veterans Memorial Park.[34] The Blue Ridge Music Center with its amphitheater and music museum of old-time music is just a few miles away on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 213, near Galax, Virginia. This area is home to the Round Peak style of old-time music, which started in the Round Peak community, just west of Mount Airy.[35]
Education
Mount Airy has a city-funded school district consisting of four schools.
^"Station: MT Airy 2 W, NC". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
^Joyce, Tom (March 9, 2018). [mtairynews.com "Local native is worldwide leader of church"]. The Mount Airy News. Retrieved March 9, 2018. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help)
