The original 1950 chair was made of wood, but it deteriorated quickly, leading to the creation of the current steel replacement within a year.
The chair was specifically designed to be an enlarged version of the company’s popular Duncan Phyfe dining room chair model.
During the 1960s, then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy famously addressed crowds from the seat of the chair during a campaign stop.
The structure is large enough to seat several adults comfortably on the oversized cushion surface, though climbing is prohibited.
Thomasville is officially nicknamed 'Chair City' in large part due to this landmark's cultural impact.
The Big Chair in Thomasville, North Carolina, is a 30-foot-tall replica of a Duncan Phyfe-style mahogany armchair that symbolizes the city's historical identity as a prominent furniture manufacturing hub. Originally constructed in 1950 by the Thomasville Chair Company, the structure was built to showcase the town's craftsmanship during a regional fair. The current version, installed in 1951, is made of steel rather than wood to better withstand outdoor weather conditions. It stands prominently at the intersection of Main Street and Salem Street in the center of the downtown district. The monument remains a significant roadside attraction on the historic North Carolina furniture corridor. It has been repainted and maintained periodically to preserve its iconic appearance for travelers.
From the sidewalk across the street on Main Street to capture the full scale of the chair against the skyline.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent downtown Thomasville area to see historic storefronts.
Visit during the daylight hours, as the chair is located on a busy street intersection and visibility is best under natural light.
Check local event calendars as the immediate area often hosts community street festivals.
Do not attempt to climb the structure for photos, as it is a strictly protected monument and climbing is prohibited.
