In 1749, John Beatty crossed the Catawba at a site that became known as Beatty’s Ford. Beatty, an early landowner Scots-Irish pioneer, is one of the first white settlers to cross to the western side of the Catawba River. Beatties Ford Road, Beatty’s Ford Park, and Beatties Ford Bridge (now under Lake Norman) are all named for John Beatty.
Location (approximate): 35.4823, -80.9476
Sources:
Harkey, W. Hugh. 1991. Tales from the Hornet’s Nest. Hornet’s Nest Productions, Charlotte, NC.
Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation. nd. “Early History of the Catawba-Wateree River” Available: http://www.catawbariverkeeper.org/about-the-catawba/history-of-the-catawba-wateree-river