European colonists originally settled the area that is now Connelly Springs in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These early settlers were primarily of German and Scotch-Irish descent and engaged in farming and land development. The Town was officially incorporated in 1920. There are two parts to Connelly Springs’s name: The first is after Colonel William Lewis Connelly, one of the first settlers in the area, and the second part is from a mineral spring that was discovered by Mrs. Elmira Connelly that popularized the area for its potential healing qualities. In its early years, Connelly Springs, like many other towns in the region, relied heavily on agriculture and farming for its economic sustenance. The fertile soil in the area supported the growth of crops such as tobacco and cotton. Over time, the Town’s economy diversified, becoming more connected to the broader economic activities in Burke County and the state of North Carolina. The construction of the Western North Carolina Railroad in the late 19th century provided transportation for goods and people, further stimulating economic development in Connelly Springs. Today, the Town is probably best known for the South Mountains State Park, which provides many opportunities to engage with the wonderful local terrain.
Things To Do in Connelly Springs, NC
