When you entire Mooresville, North Carolina, you can’t help but notice the huge and colorful water tower. Against a bright white background, the red, white, and blue lettering greets you happily. You have now entered Race City, USA: official name, Mooresville, North Carolina. With the NASCAR culture in the state, it isn’t surprising that such an area exists, especially this close to Charlotte. What is surprising, however, is that it takes very little to find Mooresville on internet search engines if you simply type in “Race City USA”. The town with this moniker would be the first result.
Even while on the official website, Mooresville hardly promotes its status as a large NASCAR draw. In fact, it was easier to find the name of Race City, USA by looking on the town’s Wikipedia article than it was on the main website. It is mentioned under the history tab, but there are only three short points on the page and none of them involve the racing history that Mooresville has become known for. I must admit, I am a little biased when it comes to history as I love learning little facts about different places so the fact that a place like D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware Store has reportedly remained unchanged since it was built around 1899 still exists is like paradise to me. However, I am aware that many people would be much more interested in seeing things about NASCAR when traveling to the area as opposed to that stunningly beautiful safe that the museum recently acquired.
I will admit that I got a bit caught up while writing this article by looking through the Mooresville Museum website to see what had been cataloged onto the page. Truthfully, I spent a couple of hours reading about the family histories that started Mooresville and the incredible life and accomplishments of the incomparable Dr. Selma Burke. I believe that I could read whole books about some of the residents that make up the history of Mooresville that had nothing to do with racing and still be left wanting more, however the town is called Race City, USA for a reason. While there would be nothing wrong with promoting the town through all of the history you have (and that is not a small amount of material after all), it is important to do all you can to make sure that your town is known for at least one thing. Given the proximity to Charlotte, it may be a better idea to focus on the NASCAR ties.
The town of Mooresville has so much to offer this country regardless of whether or not you have an interest in cars traveling around a track at high speeds. The incredible historical impact that the town has, coupled with the fact that much of this has been preserved, is simply astounding. It is almost criminal to not promote Mooresville, North Carolina and possibly losing interest in everything that this town has seen and done. Give us a call and we will help you find a way to get the word out to the world just how incredible Mooresville is!