County’s 179th birthday party kicks off America 250 events

Local residents and elected officials gathered on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Brushy Mountain Golf Course to commemorate the 179th anniversary of Alexander becoming a county. This marked the first in a year-long series of local America 250 events for the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.

County Commissioners Larry Yoder (Chairman), Josh Lail (Vice Chairman), Ronnie Reese, and Marty Pennell welcomed the crowd to the event. They were joined by Alexander County Historical Committee members Tamara Odom, Nancy Coley, Helen Chestnut, Betty Long, and Connie Kincaid in presenting a county birthday cake to the audience.

Attendees enjoyed free cake and ice cream. Entertainment was provided by Celtic Sessions, which includes Ray Absher, Julian Alexander, and Naomi Orr.

Entertainment was provided by The Celtic Sessions, which includes (L-R) Julian Alexander, Naomi Orr, and Ray Absher.

The ratification of Alexander County on January 15, 1847, was a significant event in the history of North Carolina as it marked the establishment of a new county from parts of Iredell, Wilkes, and Caldwell counties.

Alexander County was named after William Julius Alexander, a Speaker of the North Carolina House of Commons. By the time the Civil War began in 1861, Alexander County had a population of approximately 5,837 people. The county’s population as of the 2020 census was 36,444 reflecting its growth over the years. The area was primarily settled by farmers of Scots-Irish and German descent.

To learn more about the history of Alexander County, the public is invited to countywide programs throughout 2026 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Events in Alexander County may be found online by visiting https://visitalexandernc.com/calendar.