Welcome to Locust!

Long before Locust hit its ongoing growth spurt, it was a small crossroads community that served as a way point for travelers headed for Cabarrus, Anson, and Mecklenburg counties, as well as other areas.

First settled by John Barbee, the area grew into a community after farmers, once sprawled along natural waterways, migrated into a unified group.

By 1869 the population had grown enough to warrant the establishment of a post office, to which John Curlee was appointed postmaster. During that time a town hall style meeting was called to choose a name for the fledgling community.

There, a young girl, Maggie Howell, made a suggestion that would turn out to be a defining moment for her homeland. Taking inspiration from a wooded stretch of land where stood a large locust tree in full bloom, followed by plowed fields of Carolina red clay along the Charlotte Road, Maggie suggested the community be called "Locust Level."

The name stuck until May 29, 1894 when "Level" was dropped and Locust became the singular moniker of the town. Just 11 years later in 1905, Locust was incorporated.

In the spirit of its roots, the city still serves as a crossroads for travelers to and from areas such as Charlotte, Albemarle, Concord and Monroe. Today, more than 100 years later, it is a thriving community of opportunity, familial unity and a bevy of businesses providing goods and services. Much like the tree that inspired its namesake so many years ago, the city of Locust is a living growing entity.

As areas of the city continue to bloom, seeds of growth are planted daily and throughout the cycle, planners, merchants, city officials and residents work to maintain a small town atmosphere.

That the community became known as Locust Level through the eyes and vision of a young girl lends to its pure-hearted nature. A simple image brought to fruition remains an important part of the land and its people.

With local officials focused on growth in the city while preserving its identity, new residents, diverse in personal interests, find they fit easily into an inviting embrace. They are not simply fitting in, but enriching the ever-expanding city borders and beyond.

From a recreated business district after expansion of the road to town, to luxurious communities, recreational opportunities and a beautiful countryside, Locust offers up a little something for everyone. Down-home merchants and progressive industries are wedded in Locust and the "tree" continues to grow.

New amenities and offerings add fresh blooms to the iconic tree. Year after year they are brought together in harmonious union, woven into the homespun tapestry of the city with a soul.
Stanly News & Press, 2008

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