Iredell County, North Carolina

Academy Hill Historic District Allison Woods Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Session House and Cemetery Brawley, Espy Watts, House Campbell, Perciphull, House Center Street A.M.E. Zion Church Centre Presbyterian Church, Session House and Cemeteries Coddle Creek Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Session House and Cemetery Cornelius House Daltonia Damascus Baptist Church Arbor Davidson House East Broad Street-Davie Avenue Historic District Ebenezer Academy, Bethany Presbyterian Church and Cemetery Eccles, Henry, House Falls-Hobbs House Farmville Plantation Feimster House Fort Dobbs Gaither House Hargrave House Holland-Summers House Houston, George, House Iredell County Courthouse Johnson-Neel House Key Memorial Chapel King-Flowers-Keaton House Long, Henry Fletcher and Carrie Allison, House Main Building, Mitchell College McClelland-Davis House McElwee Houses Mitchell College Historic District (Additional Documentation II) Mitchell College Historic District (Boundary Increase Mooresville Historic District Mooresville Mill Village Historic District Morrison-Campbell House Morrison-Mott House Mount Mourne Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church Sharpe, Col. Silas Alexander, House Snow Creek Methodist Church and Burying Ground South Broad Street Row South Race Street Historic District Statesville Commercial Historic District Turner, Henry, House and Caldwell-Turner Mill Site U.S. Post Office and County Courthouse United States Post Office and Court House-Statesville Waddle-Click Farm Welch-Nicholson House and Mill Site Wood Lawn

Iredell County, located in the heart of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1700s. The county was named after James Iredell, a prominent jurist and one of the original justices of the United States Supreme Court. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Catawba and Cherokee, European settlers began arriving in the area in the mid-1700s.

The county's first permanent settlement was established in 1753 at what is now known as Statesville. Attracted by the fertile land and access to trade routes, more settlers soon followed, leading to the County's formal establishment in 1788. Iredell County played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War as it became a key transportation hub and supply center for troops.

In the 19th century, Iredell County experienced a period of rapid growth and development. The railroad, which reached the county in the mid-1850s, brought new economic opportunities and helped connect the area to larger markets. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the region's primary industry, with numerous plantations dotting the landscape.

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Iredell County had transitioned into a more industrialized economy. Textile mills emerged as the dominant industry, attracting workers from rural areas and contributing to the county's population growth. The textile industry thrived until the mid-20th century when it began to decline due to changing economic circumstances.

Today, Iredell County is a dynamic community known for its blend of historical charm and modern amenities. It continues to grow and diversify, attracting new businesses and residents while preserving its rich history. The county's historical sites, including the Fort Dobbs State Historic Site and downtown Statesville's historic district, serve as reminders of the area's vibrant past and are popular attractions for visitors and locals alike.
Brief timeline of the history of Iredell County, North Carolina:

  • 1788 - The area that is now Iredell County is first settled by European pioneers.
  • 1789 - Iredell County is formed from part of Rowan County, with Statesville established as its county seat.
  • 1792 - Davie County is formed from parts of Rowan and Iredell Counties.
  • 1800 - Alexander County is created from parts of Iredell County.
  • 1813 - Catawba County is established, taking portions of Lincoln and Iredell Counties.
  • 1822 - The town of Mooresville is incorporated in Iredell County.
  • 1849 - Iredell County's Courthouse is burned down by a fire.
  • 1850 - The town of Troutman is founded in Iredell County.
  • 1865 - The American Civil War ends, and Iredell County begins to rebuild.
  • 1875 - Mitchell Community College is established in Statesville, providing educational opportunities.
  • 1891 - Lake Norman is formed after the completion of the Cowans Ford Dam.
  • 1927 - Interstate Highway 77 opens, improving transportation access to Iredell County.
  • 1939 - Fort Dobbs State Historic Site is opened to commemorate the French and Indian War.
  • 1990 - The population of Iredell County surpasses 100,000 residents.
  • 2004 - The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Mooresville opens, attracting visitors and boosting tourism.
  • 2016 - The Iredell-Statesville School District celebrates its 125th anniversary.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Iredell County, North Carolina.