Town of Kingstown Official Information Hub

The Story of Kingstown, North Carolina

A charming view of Kingstown’s town hall surrounded by blooming flowers under a bright blue sky.

Before there was a Town of Kingstown, there was a tight-knit Black rural community in northern Cleveland County, North Carolina. Families lived on inherited land, worshiped together, farmed, raised children, and built a life rooted in faith and mutual support. The area was known locally as Weathers Grove and Golden Ridge — community names tied to family land, gathering places, and the churches that anchored daily life. The identity of the people was established long before any town lines were drawn. This was a place where land stayed in families for generations and the church served as both spiritual and civic leadership.

The Leaders Who Carried the Vision

Reverend Paul Ramseur is credited with spearheading the name change and incorporation effort that would shape the town’s future. Together with others including Reverend Benny Glover and Charlie Weaver, a committee was formed to guide the process forward. These leaders acted for preservation, unity, and the future of their people. The churches served as gathering places where decisions were discussed and direction was set. Retired Reverend Whitworth marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his direct connection to the Civil Rights Movement remains a meaningful part of Kingstown’s legacy.

A Name with Meaning

When incorporation was pursued, the proposed name was Kingston. However, due to confusion with another North Carolina city, the name could not be approved. Rather than abandoning their vision, the community adapted. They chose Kingstown to honor Dr. King and the ideals he represented — dignity, justice, and self-determination. A small change in spelling, but a powerful declaration of identity.

The Historic Change

On July 12, 1989, the town known as Weathers Grove was officially incorporated and renamed Kingstown, North Carolina. With incorporation came local governance, municipal services, community structure, and a recognized place on the map. Beyond paperwork, it represented a community claiming its voice and securing its legacy.

Population & Demographics Today

Today, Kingstown remains a small but vibrant town in Cleveland County. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, approximately 656 people call Kingstown home, and recent estimates place the population in the mid-600s. The town’s residents reflect its deep cultural roots. A strong majority identify as Black or African American, making up roughly 88% of the population, alongside smaller percentages of White, Asian, and other racial groups. This demographic profile highlights Kingstown’s identity as a close-knit, predominantly African American community with a shared heritage and a stable rural character.

A Living Legacy

Kingstown was built from faith, land stewardship, church leadership, civil rights legacy, and community unity. It was never just about forming a town. It was about protecting a people, their land, and their story. Today, Kingstown stands as a testament to vision, courage, and collective effort. The town exists because its people believed their community was worth naming, protecting, and building for the next generation — and that story still shines.

Location

Find us nestled in the heart of the region, where community spirit thrives every day.

Address

2014 Kingston Rd. Kingstown, NC 28150

Business Hours:

Monday - Friday

10am - 2pm