Established in 1893, the quaint historic Town of Catawba is situated in the extreme eastern section of the county near the small developments of Balls Creek, Bandys Crossroads, Sherrils Ford, and Terrell. Originally named Catawba Station, the community began as a railroad stop between Asheville and Salisbury. Highway 70 provides easy access to Interstate 40 for commuters. This small and close-knit community enjoys close proximity to Claremont, which is home to a thriving industrial sector that has emerged as an important regional employment center. While residents of Catawba enjoy the benefits of an intimate, small-town atmosphere, they have quick and easy access to all that Catawba County offers. Institutions of higher education, major shopping malls and retail plazas, cultural attractions, fine museums, lakefront recreation, lush parks, golf courses, and racing venues are just a few of the possibilities for filling leisure hours.