The Train Depot

The 1911 built Garibaldi P&N depot. Who's name was later changed to Belmont Junction. Was built circa 1911. By prominent charlotte architect Charles Christian hook it was built to almost the same specs as the depot in mount holly. Only differance wasthe size. The interior consented of the whites only waiting room with a pot belly stove and ticket window with benches. A wall once divided the whites only waiting room from the colored waiting room which has a seperate door on the side of the station. In frount of the colored waiting room was the ticket office/telegraph office as well as the station masters office . Then u went up a set of stairs and into the fraight room which u believe once contained a fraight scale there most likely would have been a cast concrete bench at the end of the depot under what is now the concrete fraight platform. The station was used until 1951 when passenger service on the P&N was discontinued fraight was still handled there I belive until the P&N was absorbed into the seaboard in 69

Former Main Street Methodist Church at 208 South Main Street

Built in 1912, this handsome Gothic Revival style church was constructed by a congregation in 1911, whose name was later changed, in 1949, to Main Street Methodist. 

Since 1976, Alexander Memorial Baptist Church has occupied the church and holds regular services. The sanctuary is well-detailed and features perforated rafters and gracefully curved pews. 

The gable-fronted main block is dominated by a pair of buttressed square entrance towers, both with pyramidal roofs. The original slate roof was removed several years ago and replaced by a more modern shingle-style roof covering. If you are a former or current member, we would love to hear any additional information or stories you may have to share!

Bank of Belmont (aka Wells Fargo) building at 32 N Main Street

Built in 1926, this handsome three story Renaissance Revival bank is considered the most impressive in the downtown commercial district due to is size and sophistication.

The Bank of Belmont was organized in 1906 by R.L. Stowe and it was the originally housed in the Belmont Hotel Building. 

The lavish interior details abound, including the impressive lobby with marble sheathed walls and pilasters and barrel ceiling whose metallic ribs are painted in a floral design that is carried to the classic moldings and marble fixtures.

If you've never been inside this beautiful building, be sure to take a moment peak inside and enjoy the fine architecture of the lobby.

Samuel Pinkney Stowe, Sr. House (Stowe Manor)

Completed in 1924, the home burned before occupancy and was rebuilt in 9 months. If you look closely, there is still evidence of char from the fire on the basement walls. 

This lovely Renaissance Revival home was designed by noted architect Hugh White for Samuel Pinkney Stowe Sr., a leading textile executive in Gaston County. 

Today the home, known as Stowe Manor, is used for special events and weddings. It is indisputably, one of the grandest homes in Belmont and Gaston County. 

Photo Credits: Tiffany Patheal

Stowe Mills Office Building

The building was designed by noted architect J. M. McMichael and constructed in 1914 as the corporate offices for several mill companies. 

In the early 1970s the companies run by Pickney Stowe moved out and Stowe Mills bought their share of the building. The building underwent a dramatic transformation and was aesthetically re-designed by John (Skipper) Graham. He painted it white and changed the windows, entrance, and the interior décor. 

In 1988, a modern addition was added which was designed by Mike Tribble then of Clark, Tribble, Harris & Li. Today, the building is owned by a real estate investment trust and leased as offices. See before & after photos below.
Content Credit - Many thanks to Robert L. Stowe III & Photo Credit: thanks to Millican Pictorial History 

Hotel Belmont

It's right there beside Cherubs Cafe & Candy Bouquet by Holy Angels, but remains a mystery to most.... So, here's three facts about the Hotel Belmont: 

It opened in 1906 when Main Street was a dirt road and was built by George Milton Gullick. 

In its heyday, ads boasted:: “Hotel Belmont, Hot and Cold Water in Every Room, Home Cooked Foods. Price $1.25 & $1.50. Clean Cool Rooms.” 

The hotel has been totally renovated and currently serves as a residence to the great grandchildren of Mr. Gullick. If you happen to see Jonathan Taylor sitting outside on the sidewalk one day, ask him to tell you the ghost story about a young widowed WWI-war bride.

Abraham Stowe House

This house was built by Abraham Stowe, a Confederate Veteran, in the years immediately following the Civil War. Mr. Stowe (1842-1897) was Belmont's first Mayor and also served as the Postmaster.

The house was later used as a teacherage and was part of a private school.

Today this beautiful historic home, at 35 Catawba Avenue, houses the Millican Pictorial History Museum Owned and operated by Allen Millican, this unique shop sells the largest collection of historic photos of Gaston County that you will find for sale anywhere! If you haven't been in here, you are in for a real treat!