A Town Built on Furniture

Thomasville was founded in 1852 and named after John W. Thomas, who was instrumental in bringing the railroad to the area. With the rail line running through the town, Thomasville became a natural shipping hub. Furniture makers saw the advantages: nearby hardwood forests, easy access to transportation, and a growing workforce. By the early 1900s, Thomasville was thriving with furniture factories, including the Thomasville Chair Company, which would later inspire the creation of the Big Chair.

The Birth of the Big Chair

The first Big Chair was built in 1922 by the Thomasville Chair Company. This wooden chair, standing 13 feet and 6 inches tall, was created as a marketing tool to showcase the company’s craftsmanship and the town’s pride in its furniture industry. The oversized piece drew plenty of attention and became a beloved local attraction.

In 1950, the original was replaced by the current version—a 30-foot-tall, 10,000-pound chair constructed of concrete and steel in the style of a Duncan Phyfe armchair. At the time, it was considered the largest chair in the world, a symbol of Thomasville’s dominance in the furniture industry.

Did You Know?

• In 1960, presidential candidate Lyndon B. Johnson gave a campaign speech while standing on the Big Chair.
• The current chair was built with a steel frame covered in a wire mesh then coated with a mixture of concrete and granite to ensure its durability and longevity, then painted to resemble beautiful mahogany wood.
• The chair is 30 feet tall and the seat is 10 feet 6 inches wide.
• It remains one of the most photographed attractions in Davidson County.

A Symbol of Community Pride

For the people of Thomasville, the Big Chair is more than a landmark—it represents the town’s heritage of craftsmanship and hard work. While the furniture industry has changed over the years, the chair continues to serve as a proud reminder of the city’s history.

Why It Matters to Newcomers

If you’re moving to Thomasville, the Big Chair is part of the community you’re joining. It isn’t just something to drive past—it’s a piece of living history that connects residents to the town’s beginnings. As downtown Thomasville continues to grow with shops, restaurants, and events, the Big Chair remains at the center, linking the past to the present.