One of the largest of the communities in Stanly County, Norwood has its beginning as long ago as the 1780s when three brothers shared a dream of making a river port from the peninsula between the Pee Dee River and the Rocky River. Their effort was never successful, but it did plant the roots of a settlement that later flourished with the railroad in the late 1800s. The former name of Allentown changed to Norwood when the post office moved into the Norwood Brother's Store. Contributing to the town’s growth and prosperity, a number of manufacturing firms call Norwood home. The Norwood area is home to a variety of manufacturing firms that support equally diverse industries from textiles to aerospace. Recreational opportunities in the Norwood area are outstanding. Lake Tillery is only minutes from home, a favorite destination for boating, fishing, and nearly every type of water sport. Piney Point Golf Club also offers a championship golf course, beautiful clubhouse and a large swimming pool. Norwood's public schools are well known for their achievements and quality education. Three community colleges and a private university are short drives from town.