It was named for Benjamin Cleveland, a colonel in the American Revolutionary War, who took part in Patriot victory at the Battle of King's Mountain.

[6] In the south east corner of the county is Crowders & Kings Mountains, part of a small narrow ridge that sits above the very near surrounding area.

23.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

It was Democratic until 1968 when the county voted for American Independent Party candidate George Wallace.

In 1972, the county voted overwhelmingly for Richard Nixon, and since then, Cleveland has become a Republican stronghold.

Cleveland County is a member of the Isothermal Planning and Development Commission regional council of governments.

[21][22] By the requirement of the North Carolina Constitution of 1868, Cleveland County was divided into 11 townships.

[27] Parts of the 2012 movie The Hunger Games were filmed in Cleveland County.