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Spencer is a town located in southern Rowan County, North Carolina, with a history deeply tied to railroad development, industrial growth, and working-class community life. Unlike many towns that formed around agriculture or county government, Spencer emerged primarily as a railroad town, and its identity has long been shaped by transportation and industry.

Before European settlement, the land surrounding present-day Spencer was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Saura, who utilized the region's forests and waterways. European settlers began farming the area in the late 1700s, but for many decades the land remained sparsely populated and largely agricultural, with small farms producing corn, wheat, and livestock.

Spencer's transformation began in the late 19th century with the expansion of railroad networks across North Carolina. In the 1890s, the Southern Railway selected the area as the site for a major maintenance and repair facility. The construction of railroad shops marked the beginning of rapid growth and permanently changed the character of the community. Workers arrived from across the region, creating demand for housing, businesses, and public services.

The town of Spencer was incorporated in 1901 and named in honor of Samuel Spencer, president of the Southern Railway. The railroad shops became the town's economic foundation, employing hundreds of workers and supporting a wide range of related businesses. Residential neighborhoods developed near the rail facilities, and Spencer quickly became a bustling industrial community.

During the early 20th century, Spencer thrived as a railroad center. The shops repaired locomotives and railcars, making the town a vital part of regional and national transportation systems. Schools, churches, and civic organizations grew alongside the population, fostering a strong sense of community pride and identity tied to railroad work.

The Great Depression of the 1930s brought economic hardship, but the railroad industry provided relative stability compared to other sectors. World War II further strengthened Spencer's economy, as rail transportation was critical to the war effort. Employment remained strong, and the town continued to grow through the mid-20th century.

Following World War II, changes in transportation technology and the gradual decline of rail-based industry began to affect Spencer. Diesel locomotives reduced the need for extensive repair facilities, and employment at the railroad shops decreased. By the late 20th century, the closure of the shops marked a major economic turning point for the town.

Despite these challenges, Spencer adapted by preserving its railroad heritage and diversifying its economy. The former railroad facilities were transformed into cultural and historical sites, helping redefine the town's identity. Residential development and small businesses supported ongoing stability.

Today, Spencer is known for its historic connection to the railroad and its close relationship with neighboring Salisbury. The town's history reflects industrial innovation, workforce resilience, and community adaptation, shaped by generations whose lives were tied to the rail lines that once powered its growth.