The GI Memorial House
— A Glimpse Into 1946 Kannapolis
After World War II, American communities across the country faced a new challenge: How to welcome home, help and house returning servicemen reintegrating back into civilian life. In Kannapolis, this led to the development of a unique neighborhood, constructed by Cannon Mills, specifically for GIs and their families.
Cannon Mills innovated by constructing two trial homes using a new construction method designed to build a modest dwelling within a day. Demand for this quick yet attractive solution led to fifty prefabricated, four-room homes being built during the winter of 1946. Suitable for newlyweds or small families, eventually one hundred homes were built on land that is now in and around Village Park.
One of those original houses, built in 1946, was fully restored and is now the GI Memorial House—a rare, example of post-war mill village housing.
The GI Memorial House is more than just a dwelling. It's an interactive time capsule tucked away on King Street, offering a glimpse into the lives of a generation who not only fought overseas but lived, worked and built futures in Kannapolis.
Experience history
See how families lived in just 20 x 24 sq. ft.—the original tiny homes!
Are you a history buff, a family storyteller, or just curious about what life felt like when Kannapolis was a mill town just after World War II? Step back in time with the Kannapolis History Associates guides at the GI Memorial House.
As you walk through the doors of the GI Memorial House and step into the 1940’s, every room tells a story of post-war optimism, family life, and daily routines shaped by limited resources and strong community ties.
The furnishings, appliances, music—and even the solar dryer—speak to a life defined by simplicity and hard work. Every detail invites you to look, wonder, and even remember. It’s an immersive experience.
Whether you have a rich family history in Kannapolis, or more recently called Kannapolis your home, you will enjoy the stories of post-war Kannapolis and the preserved treasures of its past.
Come visit
Open the first Sunday of each month from 2pm - 5pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
The GI Memorial House immersive experience is curated by the Kannapolis Historical Association. Group tours can be arranged upon request.
Fran J.
Don’t Miss a Memory
Sign up for stories, event updates, and special exhibits—delivered straight to your inbox.
© Copyright 2025. Kannapolis History Associates. All Rights Reserved.
Made with love in Kannapolis by Mobile Marketing Max.
Selected on-location color photographs © 2025 Fran Jeanes, used with permission. Other images are used with acknowledgment of their respective owners, where known.