History Statesville, North Carolina

madison building in statesville commercial historic district (1982)

in 1753, scots-irish presbyterians , german lutherans, settled in pennsylvania, began arriving in statesville plant crops in fertile soil game , water plentiful. settlement, known fourth creek congregation, named fresh water stream, fourth creek west of neighboring settlement of salisbury. center of settlement log cabin presbyterians worshiped , first presbyterian church located today.

in 1755, colonial governor arthur dobbs authorized construction of colony’s frontier fort, located approximately 3 miles due north of fourth creek settlement. built , garrisoned north carolina provincial soldiers, fort dobbs defended british north america’s western frontier in colony of north carolina during french , indian war , anglo-cherokee war. fort dobbs combined functions of military barracks, fortification, refuge settlers, provisioning depot , center negotiations native americans.

the state legislature divided rowan county in 1788, , new county named iredell james iredell, associate justice of first supreme court during presidency of george washington.

one year later, legislature selected spot county seat. fourth creek congregation chosen, , settlement became known statesville.

as 1833, statesville s leaders began laying track railroads connect piedmont area of north carolina rest of country.

by 1858, statesville growing rapidly , afterward began leading state in production of tobacco , tobacco products, manufacture , blending of whiskey, , became large distribution center roots , herbs.