A Celebration of Rutherford County History
The Town of Ellenboro has made a giant stride towards preserving the rich textile history of Rutherford County by acquiring the Colfax Cotton Gin property with plans to reimagine the space as a public park and gathering space.
The area around the Town of Ellenboro, originally called Colfax Township, located in Rutherford County, is steeped in culture and history -- based largely on agriculture and the Industrial Revolution. In 1880, the Seaboard Air Line Railway built a line from Wilmington, NC to Rutherfordton and along the way, several new towns were established, one of which was the Town of Ellenboro, named after the daughter of an engineer from the Seaboard RR.
Several historic sites still stand in Ellenboro. With the Town's long history of civic pride and past celebrations such as Big Days, the Colfax Free Fair, and the Fiddler's Conventions, the Town is now working to preserve their history and renew interest in local landmarks with enormous potential as cultural and recreational assets.
The Old Ellenboro Train Depot
The Old Ellenboro Train Depot first served the community's needs beginning around 1905 and was an important transportation hub for decades. Today, the train still runs nearby, but the original depot building now serves as the Colfax Museum, a unique attraction full of local history and originally directed by former town alderman, Mike Rhyne.
The Ellenboro Presbyterian Church
The Ellenboro Presbyterian Church was established in 1914 and served an important and active role in the community for more than a century. After closing in 2018, the Church has now been restored to its former glory and is once again an honorable cornerstone of the community
The Colfax Cotton Gin
When the Colfax Cotton Gin was built in 1928, the area became known for cotton production, which provided a livelihood for many area residents. After operating for more than 80 years, the gin eventually fell victim to industrial and economic changes. Although no longer an operating gin, as a result of its recent acquisition by the Town of Ellenboro, the site will soon get a new life as a public park and gathering space. Preliminary plans for the site are currently being developed.
A Celebration of Rutherford County History
The Town of Ellenboro has made a giant stride towards preserving the rich textile history of Rutherford County by acquiring the Colfax Cotton Gin property with plans to reimagine the space as a public park and gathering space.
The area around the Town of Ellenboro, originally called Colfax Township, located in Rutherford County, is steeped in culture and history -- based largely on agriculture and the Industrial Revolution. In 1880, the Seaboard Air Line Railway built a line from Wilmington, NC to Rutherfordton and along the way, several new towns were established, one of which was the Town of Ellenboro, named after the daughter of an engineer from the Seaboard RR.
Several historic sites still stand in Ellenboro. With the Town's long history of civic pride and past celebrations such as Big Days, the Colfax Free Fair, and the Fiddler's Conventions, the Town is now working to preserve their history and renew interest in local landmarks with enormous potential as cultural and recreational assets.
The Old Ellenboro Train Depot
The Old Ellenboro Train Depot first served the community's needs beginning around 1905 and was an important transportation hub for decades. Today, the train still runs nearby, but the original depot building now serves as the Colfax Museum, a unique attraction full of local history and originally directed by former town alderman, Mike Rhyne.
The Ellenboro Presbyterian Church
The Ellenboro Presbyterian Church was established in 1914 and served an important and active role in the community for more than a century. After closing in 2018, the Church has now been restored to its former glory and is once again an honorable cornerstone of the community
The Colfax Cotton Gin
When the Colfax Cotton Gin was built in 1928, the area became known for cotton production, which provided a livelihood for many area residents. After operating for more than 80 years, the gin eventually fell victim to industrial and economic changes. Although no longer an operating gin, as a result of its recent acquisition by the Town of Ellenboro, the site will soon get a new life as a public park and gathering space. Preliminary plans for the site are currently being developed.
Looking for the perfect way to spend a sunny day in downtown Spindale, NC? With three miles of the Thermal Belt Rail Trail's (TBRT) 13.5 miles running the length of town, Rutherford County residents (and visitors!) will enjoy hopping on their bikes and exploring this historic trail town.
Spindale House is the perfect 'home-base' for your adventure, with ample free street parking and a new EV charger available to the public. Located in the heart of Main Street, Spindale House serves as a gathering place for all ages. Outside, you can enjoy a picnic while watching children play on the swings or just sitting in the beautifully landscaped gazebo area. The trailhead to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail is located just across Main Street, so grab your bikes, grab your kids and you're on your way.
No matter which way you ride along the trail, you'll experience the beautiful rolling landscapes typical of Rutherford County. Because the trail has been built along the original site of the Southern Railway, the pathways are relatively flat -- which can be a nice change from some of the steep elevation changes found in and around the North Carolina mountains. The trail is a leisurely ride, skate, walk, or run for anyone -- kids and pets welcome! Keep an eye out for new enhancements to the TBRT as they continue to pop up, beginning with the Rutherford County Schools & Watts Water project, scheduled to be finished up by the end of the school year.
After you've finished your ride, you've earned a delicious meal at one of the restaurants that border Main Street around Spindale House. From a slice of pizza to a classic BBQ sammy, there are lots of options for all of you hungry adventurers. Coming soon -- Mill Town Brewing, a new nanobrewery, is slated to open soon in a restored 1926 building just a five-minute walk from the TBRT trailhead. Perhaps a Thermal Belt Rail Tr-ALE would be at home on the menu?
