High Point's fortunate location at the crossroads of North Carolina's transportation networks contributed to its rapid growth and economic success. In the 1850s, the junction of the Western Plank Road and the North Carolina Railroad became the focus around which early settlers gathered. In 1923, the completion of US 421 gave High Point's citizens access to a direct route from Wilmington in the east to Boone in the west. To celebrate the event, High Point staged its first "Pageant of Progress," an historical parade depicting the history of the state and the evolution of transportation.
