Kannapolis, NC

Kannapolis’s name emerged from Cannon Mills and James William Cannon; early printed forms included “Cannon-opolis” and “Cannapolis,” while a later Greek-derived explanation rendered the name as “City of Looms.” The city incorporated in 1984 and spans Cabarrus and Rowan counties, with most of its area in Cabarrus County. Interstate 85 places Charlotte about 21 miles southwest, while U.S. 29 connects Kannapolis with Concord and Salisbury. The 2020 census counted 53,114 residents. Downtown, the 350-acre North Carolina Research Campus concentrates public-private work in food, nutrition, and biotechnology. The Gem Theater, Meek House, and Harvey Jeremiah Peeler House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kannapolis is also home to the Cannon Ballers baseball team and is the hometown of the Earnhardt racing family.