Gastonia [key], city (2020 pop. 80,411), seat of Gaston co., SW N.C.; inc. 1877. Once an important textile mill center, the town was the site of the famous Loray Mill Strike (1929); while unsuccessful, the union's attempt to gain better pay and working conditions drew worldwide attention. Some textile manufacturing remains, along with chemicals, machinery, and electronic and automotive parts. Gaston College is nearby, as is Kings Mountain National Military Park. The town now is a major residential community for nearby Charlotte.
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