Stanly County, located in the Piedmont [5] region of North Carolina, was formed in 1841 from Montgomery County [9] and named for John Stanly [13], a Speaker of the North Carolina House of Commons and, later, a U.S. congressman. Early inhabitants of the area included the Saura [14] (Cheraw), Keyauwee [15], and Tuscarora [16] Indians, followed by German [17], Dutch, Scotch-Irish [18] and English settlers. Albemarle [19], the county seat, was incorporated in 1857 and named for George Monck, the duke of Albemarle and one of the Lords Proprietors [20]. Other communities in the county include Badin [21], Misenheimer, Richfield [22], New London [23], Locust [24], Stanfield [25], and Lambert. The Yadkin-Pee Dee River [26], Badin Lake, the Uwharrie Mountains, Morrow Mountain, and Little and Cucumber Creeks are a few of Stanly County's significant physical features.

Pfeiffer University, which was founded in 1885, is located in Stanly County. The county also has a variety of historic landmarks, such as the "City of Albemarle" Antique Fire Engine (1922), the Hall House (1912), and the Albemarle Town Cemetery (1844). Cultural attractions include the Snuggs House Museum [27], the Morrow Mountain State Park [28] and Museum, and the Uwharrie Players theater company. The county hosts annual events and festivals such as the Best of Badin Festival, Oktoberfest, the Norwood Arbor Day Festival, Beach Blast, Festival of Trees, and Downtown Albemarle Christmas.

Stanly County produces agricultural goods such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, forage, and cattle and other livestock. Manufactured products include yarn, aircraft tires, ladies knitwear, manufactured homes, draperies, popcorn, and circuit breakers. Gold [29] has also historically been mined in Stanly County. The Barringer Mine [30] (1829) introduced subsurface gold mining to North Carolina. In 2004 the county's population was an estimated 59,000.