Greensboro’s rich history has earned it many nicknames, each capturing its unique spirit. No matter what you call it, Greensboro is the place to be.
Greensboro served as a major transportation hub in the late 19th century. It became a central point for railroad connections, with many trains passing through the city daily. This earned Greensboro the name "Gate City" as it was seen as a gateway to the West and South. The name symbolizes Greensboro's importance in trade, travel, and economic development during that period.
Greensboro's newest moniker is Tournament Town, based on the city's storied legacy of hosting ACC and NCAA basketball in the First Horizon Coliseum (formerly Greensboro Coliseum) and the Wyndham Championship (formerly the Greater Greensboro Open). Today, Tournament Town hosts events on every level, from youth and amateur to national championships and Olympic trials.
Greensboro was a leader in textiles as early as 1828 when Henry Humphreys built North Carolina’s first steam-powered cotton mill. In 1895, Moses and Ceasar Cone selected Greensboro for their Southern Finishing and Warehouse Co., the forerunner of Cone Mills. By 1920, Blue Bell was a successful maker of bib overalls. In 1935, attracted by the city’s railroad and airport, Burlington Industries moved its headquarters to Greensboro. Guilford Mills began operations in 1946. Today, statues of jeans are scattered throughout the town decorated to reflect the city's history.
The abbreviation of Greensboro. Don't be surprised to see GSO around town in different ways. DGSO is short for downtown Greensboro. The Greensboro Convention & Visitors Bureau often uses #VisitGSO to share travel tips, attractions, and other information on our social media.