Patterson Springs is a town in Cleveland County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Patterson Springs had a population of 571.
History
Patterson Springs was originally a small farming community called "Swangs", with only a train depot and a post office. William George Patterson bought the land that held three springs from the "Epps" family. Patterson hoped that the supposed healing powers of these springs would help heal his son, Billy, who had poor health. Eventually, news of the supposed healing powers of these springs spread, and Patterson created a thirty to forty room resort to house travelers and merchants. The resort, which was one of several in the area, mainly attracted people from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. When the attendees of the resort were not at the springs, Patterson offered lawn bowling and a dance every Saturday night. In 1885, the name "Swangs confused the railroad people so they convinced the post office to change it to Patterson Springs and the government officials agreed. In 1915, a school building was created, housing all eleven(not 12) grades. Another was built in 1923, which housed grades one through eight, while the High School students attended No. 3 High School. In the 1960s, the post office closed, then in the 1970s, both schools closed. The train depot no longer exists. Most students now attend Township No. 3 Elementary School, Crest High School, or Pinnacle Classical Academy.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all land.
The community is located at the southern end of conjoined state highways NC 180 and NC 226.
Demographics
As of the census