During World War I, construction in the city declined only to be followed by a large increase in population and housing needs, growth of businesses and manufacturing companies, and the extension of public services rendered by local government (1918-1940).
Growth since 1940- After World War II Hickory continued growing and by 1961 the city boasted forty-six furniture plants, eight-nine hosiery mills, twenty-seven other manufactories, and a population of 37,000 people. A vast urban renewal project as well as continual redevelopment also accompanied this period of growth. Much of the historic fabric of Hickory's downtown was removed or drastically altered in the 1960s and 1970s, leaving gaping holes in the urban landscape. Yet, this period also saw the emergence of historic preservation efforts in Hickory, a trend that has grown in scope by instilling pride in the city's past by encouraging the appreciation, preservation, and continued use of Hickory's historic resources.
Currently, the City of Hickory has been awarded a grant to conduct a survey of the city's historic resources. The grant will allow the Historic Preservation Commission to hire a certified historic resource professional to identify historic structures along the boundaries of established historic districts. The survey will be used to consider future expansion of Hickory's historic districts. The last survey, conducted in 1979, indicated that there were 168 historical sites within Hickory's city limits. Since this survey was completed, it has been estimated that about 32 of these structures have been demolished. Hopefully, the survey will help the Commission develop a long range historic preservation plan for the City of Hickory, it will also serve as a catalyst for other projects designed to promote, educate, and preserve Hickory's historic treasures.