It was established in 1796 near the middle of the county to function the headquarters of local government. It began as a tiny hamlet and became the foremost cotton market for an space that included components of several surrounding counties.

Denver NC is, the searching amusement destination of the Carolinas and most popular visitor attraction in North Carolina, features over 200 stores including manufacturer and retail outlets and interactive stores like Bass Professional Outlets Outside World, Sun & Ski and Build-A-Bear. Other standard looking destinations include Cannon Village with its Colonial-era ambiance, Carolina Mall and Historic Downtown Denver NC.