About Drexel

In 1898, Samuel Huffman and D.B. Mull purchased 436 acres beginning at a point on Little Mountain and following lines East and the North approximately one and a quarter miles to Wards Creek. The Norfolk Southern railroad ran through the heart of this small community. Later, this settlement became known as Drexel after Anthony Joseph Drexel, a Philadelphia financier and philanthropist who served on the Board of the Railroad Company.

On February 5, 1913, the North Carolina General Assembly granted a charter to incorporate the Town of Drexel. Drexel's corporate limits were determined by using the railroad depot as a central point and establishing the town limits one-half mile in all direction, thus the town was round. Within these limits were 90 voters.

In the early 1900's the Drexel knitting Mills Company and Drexel Furniture Factory were established. The textile and furniture industries were at the heart of Drexel's existence for the rest of the 20th century. Both companies made significant contributions to the Town of Drexel and are an important part of our heritage.