History & Culture
History surrounds all that live in Statesville and Iredell County. This city and county have triumphed, have suffered tragedies and there are memories and monuments to those occasions.
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In 1753, Scots-Irish Presbyterians and German Lutherans who originally settled in Pennsylvania began arriving here to plant their crops in fertile soil where game and water were plentiful. The settlement, which became known as Fourth Creek Congregation, was named for the fresh water stream, the fourth creek west of the neighboring settlement of Salisbury. The center of the settlement was the log cabin where the Presbyterians worshiped and where First Presbyterian Church is located today. Adjacent to this church is the original cemetery where many of those pioneer settlers are buried.
In 1755, the royal Governor Arthur Dobbs authorized the construction of the colony’s frontier fort which was located approximately three miles due north of the Fourth Creek settlement. Built and garrisoned by North Carolina Provincial soldiers, Fort Dobbs defined the British North America’s western frontier in the colony of North Carolina during the French and Indian War (1754-1763), sometimes called the Seven Years War. It combined the functions of a military barracks, fortification, refuge for settlers, provisioning depot and center for negotiations with Indians. On February 27, 1760, Fort Dobbs was attacked by a party of 60 Cherokee who were defeated. The Treaty of Paris officially concluded the war and as Arthur Dobbs predicted the colonial frontier extended beyond the mountains. By 1764 Fort Dobbs was no longer in use by the colony.
Situated in the Piedmont region of North Carolina near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Fort Dobbs State Historic Site provides a window into this tumultuous period of history known as the French and Indian War (1754-1763) . As the only state historic site associated with the period, it represents North Carolina's link with a global war for empire that crossed five continents, lasted nearly a decade and sowed the seeds for independence. Fort Dobbs is open 10-4pm, Tuesday-Saturday and offers living history programming and special events throughout the year. For more information visit www.fortdobbs.org or call 704-873-5882.
By 1788 the state legislature divided Rowan County and the new county was named Iredell for James Iredell, associate justice of the first Supreme Court during the presidency of George Washington.
One year later the legislature selected a spot for the county seat. The Fourth Creek Congregation was chosen and the settlement became known as Statesville.
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As early as 1833, Statesville's leaders were pursuing the idea of railroads to connect the Piedmont area of North Carolina with the rest of the country. The only immediate benefit from this effort was improved stage routes. When the rails arrived in Statesville in 1858, the town was small and struggling to recover from a disastrous fire six years earlier that destroyed virtually everything. Located at the end of the rail line, Statesville soon began growing, leading the state in the production of tobacco and tobacco products, the manufacture and blending of whiskey, and was the largest distribution center of roots and herbs in the world. By 1862 there were two railroads operating in Statesville.
Following the Civil War, all rail lines to Statesville were severed, primarily to provide replacement railing in the areas where it was destroyed.
Culture
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Preserving history is an important part of life in Statesville. Future generations, visitors and residents all enjoy a wide variety of historic places and cultural events.
Designated as a Main Street City in 1982, Statesville has been busy promoting growth and revitalization of the downtown retail district, now listed on the National Register of historic places, through the efforts of the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation (DSDC). Since that time, downtown has seen over 110 building renovations, constituting an investment of over $23 million.
Four residential districts represent housing as old as the mid-1800s. The Commercial Historic District in Downtown Statesville contains important buildings including the old First National Bank building with its landmark clock tower and City Hall, (the first post office/courthouse) the finest example of Romanesque architecture in the state of North Carolina.
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The Mitchell College Historic District, just west of the Central Business District, surrounds Mitchell Community College and contains approximately 170 structures dating as far back as the mid 1800s. This district boasts the oldest homes in Statesville. The Lowenstein-Henkel House on Walnut Street is the most ornate Queen Anne Victorian in Iredell County and ranks among the top ten in North Carolina.
East Broad Street-Davie Avenue Historic District is located east of the Central Business District, between downtown and I-77. Characterized by late Victorians with wide porches and tree-shaded yards, most homes date to the late 1800s.
Mulberry and Armfield Streets, located in the Academy Hill Historic District, are the focal point of this district and includes the Mulberry Street School which was completed in 1892. The Statesville Male Academy, constructed in 1875, is now a private residence.
Victorian and other early 1900's architecture prevails in the Race Street District, named for the main street in the district and bicycle races one held there. Some of the homes in the historic districts are occasionally open for tour.
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Also of interest to visitors and history buffs are the Fort Dobbs historic site, Kit Carson's birthplace, Darshana Plantation and Ebeneezer Academy, the oldest schoolhouse standing in Iredell County. Another unique spot in Iredell County is Love Valley. This small country western town located north of Statesville is a high attraction for rodeos, horseback riding and nature-loving enthusiasts. For more information, call (704) 592-7451.
Perhaps the most celebrated of all local events is the Carolina BalloonFest, the oldest balloon rally on the East Coast. Held the last weekend in October at the Statesville Regional Airport, the hot air balloons draw balloon pilots from across the nation to participate in a three day competition.
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The Old Time Fiddler's and Bluegrass Convention, held each May in Union Grove, is a unique event and a real treat for fiddler-loving music buffs. The oldest event of its kind in the nation, the Fiddler's Convention draws musicians from across the nation for continuous musical performances running Friday through Sunday.
Indians lived here, Daniel Boone hunted here, Kit Carson was born in North Iredell, Buffalo Bill, General and Mrs. Tom Thumb and William Jennings Bryan are but a few famous people who have visited or performed here. Hollywood has found our community and several movies have been filmed here.
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Through the years many events and characters have shaped the past.
The grand history continues today with many historic sites located in Iredell County. The people of this area are proud of their history and culture and look forward to sharing it with you, whether you're visiting or have decided to call Statesville home!