
The City's original population was reflective of the surrounding county and was comprised of English, German, Scotch Highlander, and Scotch-Irish citizens, with a few African American residents also moving into the settlement. Voted the county seat in 1911, Gastonia today has a population of more than 72,000 and land area of approximately 51.99 square miles. It is the largest of Gaston County's 15 municipalities and is the economic engine of the county. Gastonia is also one of the 15 largest cities in North Carolina. The City has operated continuously under the Council-Manager form of government since its adoption in 1919.