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Lake Norman (Courtesy of: Duke Energy)
Cowans Ford Dam created the largest manmade body of fresh water in North Carolina when it dammed the Catawba River in 1963. The total length of the facility is 7,387 feet, including more than a mile of earthen dam. The concrete portion of the dam is 1,279 feet long and 130 feet high.
Lake Norman is an "inland sea" with 520 miles of shoreline and a surface area of more than 32,475 acres. Named after former Duke Power president Norman Cocke, Lake Norman is nearly as large as the other ten lakes on the Catawba combined.
Full pond elevation at Lake Norman is 760 feet. The water of Lake Norman is used in two ways to provide electricity to the Piedmont Carolinas. It is used to power the generators at Cowans Ford Hydroelectric Station and by Marshall Steam Station and McGuire Nuclear Station to cool the steam that drives the turbines. This steam is condensed back to water so it can be pumped back through the plants and used again.
The lake provides a dependable supply of water to Lincoln County, Davidson, Mooresville, Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Huntersville, North Carolina.
Duke Energy partnered with the state in the establishment of the Lake Norman State Park. In addition, Duke Energy has built two bank fishing areas and eight public boating access areas along the shoreline. One site is leased to Mecklenburg County and one to Iredell County.
For additional Information about Lake Norman, visit the Duke Energy website or Lake Norman Striper Swiper.
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Cornelius
The town of Cornelius, the second youngest of Mecklenburg County's six incorporated towns, was founded in 1893 but not incorporated until March 4, 1905. The Town's origin has been traced by many historians to a dispute over cotton weighing.
 In the late 1800's, two thriving cotton firms located in Davidson disagreed on whether an official town cotton weigher should be appointed. After a heated election was held and legislation enacted, a town cotton weigher was hired and the firm which opposed the appointment decided to relocate much of its operations just south of the Davidson town limits.
Frequently after heavy rains, the road connecting Davidson and (soon-to-be) Cornelius would become impassible. The hill leading into Davidson would become so muddy that many cotton farmers found it safer and more convenient to conduct their business just south of Davidson in a small frame building. The success of the cotton purchasing business later inspired the owners to construct a cotton mill where raw cotton could be converted into cloth. The owners of the cotton firm lacked the needed money to make the idea of a cotton mill a reality, but they knew who could provide the financial backing. Joseph Benjamin Cornelius (1833-1914) supplied the needed investment and the mill was opened. Although the Town was originally incorporated as 'Liverpool', the Town's name was soon changed to Cornelius to honor J.B. Cornelius who was the principal stockholder in the cotton mill.
The damming of the Catawba River to create Lake Norman was as influential as the cotton industry to the town's development and growth. In 1963 Duke Power created Lake Norman and provided the area with recreational opportunities and a source of hydroelectric power. The formation of Lake Norman also provided the area with choice lakeside property.
For additional information about the City of Cornelius, visit their Official Websit.
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Huntersville
Located on the southeastern portion of Lake Norman, Huntersville is a rapidly growing town accessed by I-77 at Exits-23 & 25.
 Huntersville, the first Lake Norman town north of Charlotte, was renamed from Craighead to Huntersville in honor of landowner and cotton farmer Robert Boston Hunter. The town incorporated in 1873, and fertile land and a rail line promoted quick growth. Cotton mill Virgin Manufacturing Company and a brickyard that supplied bricks for many homes in older sections of town were thriving businesses.
In 1990, 3,000 people called Huntersville home. Proximity between the Queen City and the lake, lower home prices, less traffic and quiet communities catapulted Huntersville's population by an amazing 728 percent during the last decade. Today, approximately 38,000 people live here.
The boom in population has been music to the ears of homebuilders and realtors. Newcomers can choose from a broad range of home styles and prices family-friendly neighborhoods with sidewalks and bike trails, waterfront condominium communities with boat slips, or spacious luxury apartments.
For additional information, visit the website for the Town of Huntersville
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In 1856 the Atlantic, Tennessee and Ohio Railroad completed the track from Charlotte to Statesville. The Railroad saw a need for a Depot with a sidetrack and cotton-weighing platform in Southern Iredell County. John Franklin Moore offered land for the site as well as lots for sale to anyone interested in building a town. The place was named Moore's Siding in honor of John Moore and his generous gift.
Because so much of Statesville’s local history occurred in the countryside near Statesville, you will want to take a leisurely drive through the outlying areas. Historic residences, state historic sites and other places of importance throughout the county add to the significance of this area in making North Carolina such an interesting part of history. You will be able to feel the past join with the present. Additionally, a downtown audio-walking tour is now available, starting at the Statesville Convention and Visitor Bureau and taking appromiately 1 1/2 hours to complete. 