Town of Rhodhiss

828-396-8400

About Us

Welcome to the Town of Rhodhiss!

Rhodhiss is a town in Caldwell and Burke counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The population was 1,070 at the 2010 census, up from 366 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Hickory–Lenoir–Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Rhodhiss is located in eastern Burke County and southern Caldwell County at 35°46′13″N 81°25′58″W (35.770280, -81.432903). It is bordered to the north by the town of Granite Falls. The Catawba River runs through the center of the town, which is located just east (downstream) of Rhodhiss Dam. One bridge crosses the river in the town, leading north on Caldwell Street to Granite Falls, and leading south on Burke Street towards Icard and Connelly Springs. In the 1980s, there was a beach, that was located on Strawberry Hill (the first road on the right, just after crossing the bridge into Burke County). There was also a Boys Scout clubhouse at the top of that same road; however, it closed in either the late 1970s or early 1980s. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.3 square miles (3.3 km2), of which 1.2 square miles (3.1 km2) is land and 0.08 square miles (0.2 km2), or 5.85%, is water.

Interesting facts

  • The material of the U.S. flag that astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin erected on the first visit to the Moon in 1969 was woven at Burlington Mills in Rhodhiss. That was being managed by Glen Price, lifelong Rhodhiss resident.
  • Rhodhiss is named for John M. Rhodes and George B. Hiss.