Cherryville's heritage spans three centuries. German settlers brought the Bavarian tradition of shooting in the New Year to the area in the 18th century. White pine trees that dominated the landscape inspired the town's original name, White Pines. During the mid-19th century and throughout the Civil War, the area served as the strategic Western terminus of the Wilmington, Charlotte, and Rutherfordton Railroad. In 1881, the town was incorporated and renamed Cherryville. The railroad expanded at the turn of the century, bringing prosperity to the downtown. In 1924, the extant Seaboard Air Line Railway Depot was constructed. Today CSX Corporation operates the railroad.