The town of Catawba, established in 1893,  is located in the eastern section of the county.  Originally named Catawba Station it was a railroad stop between Asheville and Salisbury beginning in the 1850s. The town established itself around the activity of the railroad, which is still in operation today.

The area is located in the extreme eastern section of the county. Balls Creek, Bandys Crossroads, Sherrills Ford, and Terrell are established communities within this area. There are approximately 650 current residents.