Abstract:
Crowders Mountain in Gaston County is unique. Small, standing around 1,625 feet, 500 million years old, and full of minerals, it has been both an economic commodity and natural treasure. In the 1970s it was threatened by strip- mining. Local citizens rallied and convinced the state to accept the peak as a state park. In October 1974 Crowders Mountain State Park became a reality. Over 300,000 people visited the part in 2000.