If you ever find yourself passing through the small town of Thomasville, North Carolina, you may be surprised to spot a rather unusual sight rising above the landscape — a 30-foot-tall Duncan Phyfe–style chair perched on a stone pedestal in the middle of downtown.
It’s not a roadside oddity built for novelty. It’s a piece of history — one that tells the story of a town that built its name (quite literally) on furniture.
A City Built on Furniture
Thomasville, like its neighbor High Point, is deeply rooted in North Carolina’s furniture-making tradition. In the early 20th century, this region became a hub for American furniture manufacturing, thanks to its access to hardwood forests, railroads, and skilled labor. By the 1950s, Thomasville was home to the Thomasville Furniture Industries, a major employer and producer of fine furniture distributed nationwide.
To commemorate this legacy, the town erected the now-famous “Big Chair” in 1950. Made of steel and concrete and modeled after the classic designs of American cabinetmaker Duncan Phyfe, the chair wasn’t just built for show — it was meant as a permanent monument to the craftsmanship, labor, and pride that defined the region.
More Than Just a Photo Op
While it’s become a beloved local landmark (and, yes, a very popular photo stop), The Chair was originally built with a deeper purpose. A plaque at the base explains its intent:
“The Chair is an exemplar and inspiration for future generations to emulate and perpetuate the achievements of our time-honored furniture designers and craftsmen.”
This wasn’t about whimsy — it was about honoring a way of life, a thriving industry, and the generations of North Carolinians whose hands shaped wood into artistry.
A Visit Today
Today, the chair sits in a well-kept plaza surrounded by flower beds and shade trees, a peaceful space that reflects the town’s character. Across the street, local businesses still line Main Street, many in brick storefronts that speak to the town’s mid-century heyday.
If you're exploring the Triad region, Thomasville makes for a short and meaningful stop. It’s a chance to see how history can be both monumental and everyday — towering above the street, yet rooted in the work of ordinary people.
📍 The Big Chair
Corner of Main Street & Salem Street
Thomasville, North Carolina
🕰️ Erected in 1950
📐 Modeled after a Duncan Phyfe design
🔍 Restored in the 2000s after decades of weathering
Sources:
- On-site plaque at the Chair of Thomasville
- Archival records from Thomasville Furniture Industries
- Local historical societies
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