The land on which Matthews is located was once the home of the Catawba and Waxhaw Native Americans. The rolling woodlands, abundant wildlife, and rich, fertile soil of the region attracted settlers to the area around 1800, and they began to clear the land for planting. These farmers cut down so many trees that the early settlement became unofficially known as “Stumptown”! John Miles Fullwood was appointed the area postmaster on July 12, 1825. He operated a stagecoach depot, a store, and the post office from his home, and as the mail was addressed to “Fullwood Station,” the area became known as Fullwood. It was an important stagecoach stop between Charlotte and Monroe, but when the Central Carolina Railroad arrived in town in December of 1874, great change also arrived. The C.C. Railroad named the station stop Matthews in honor of a director in their company, Edward Watson Matthews. By 1875, mail was being addressed to “Matthews Station,” and when Jeremiah Solomon Reid headed a committee to secure the town charter in 1879, it was officially named Matthews. The 1880 census listed 191 residents. Visitors to Matthews today can visit some of the original town structures, including the charming 1890 Reid House, a Queen Anne Style Victorian that is now used for special events. The Funderburk General Merchandise Store was built in the late 1800s and still has its original tin ceiling and brick walls! There are 10 downtown buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places; they comprise the Matthews Commercial District. Visitors can also enjoy interesting museums, art galleries, theaters, boutiques, and stores. The town is justifiably proud to have been named as one of the “Top Ten Suburban Cities in America” and one of the “Most Exciting Suburbs in the United States”! Embrace all there is to do in Matthews! Hotels in the area allow you to stay conveniently close by to where you want to be. When you stay at Choice Hotels, you enjoy affordable rates, many amenities, and friendly service. We look forward to hosting you soon! Reserve your room today!