Foard-Tatum House

At end of NC 1101, Cooleemee, NC
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, North Carolina became a leading producer of furniture, textiles, and tobacco products. The state's nickname, the "Tar Heel State," comes from the fact that the state was a major producer of tar, pitch, and turpentine from its vast pine forests.
Davie County, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the 18th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Yadkin, who were attracted to the region's fertile lands and abundance of wildlife.

The county was officially established in 1836 and named after William R. Davie, a Revolutionary War hero and the founder of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In the early years, agriculture played a crucial role in Davie County's economy, with crops such as tobacco, corn, cotton, and wheat being major commodities. The area also became known for its thriving livestock industry.

During the Civil War, Davie County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents fighting for the Confederacy and others remaining loyal to the Union. The area saw battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Shallow Ford in 1863. After the war, Davie County faced challenges of economic reconstruction, but gradually rebounded with the growth of the tobacco industry and the development of railroads, which facilitated trade and transportation.

In the 20th century, Davie County saw continued advancements in agriculture and industry. The introduction of modern farming techniques and the establishment of poultry and dairy farms helped to diversify the economy. Additionally, textile and furniture manufacturing became prominent industries in the county. In recent years, Davie County has embraced new economic opportunities, including the growth of education and healthcare sectors, as well as the development of tourism and recreational activities centered around its natural beauty and historic landmarks.

Today, Davie County remains a vibrant and inclusive community, proud of its agricultural heritage and committed to preserving its historical assets. With a mix of rural landscapes, small towns, and urban development, the county offers a high quality of life and opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy its unique blend of history and modernity.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Davie County, North Carolina.

  • 1753 - Davie County is formed from Rowan County, named in honor of William R. Davie, a soldier and statesman.
  • 1756 - The county's first courthouse is established.
  • 1802 - The town of Mocksville is established as the county seat.
  • 1840 - The population of Davie County reaches 6,728.
  • 1850 - The Mocksville Female Academy, the county's first home of education, is established.
  • 1861-1865 - Davie County suffers during the Civil War, with many of its young men serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1890 - The county's first high school is established.
  • 1895 - The first rural free delivery mail route in North Carolina is established in Davie County.
  • 1924 - The county's first hospital, Mocksville General Hospital, is built.
  • 1963 - The first public library, Davie County Public Library, is established in Mocksville.
  • 1970 - The population of Davie County reaches 23,347.
  • 1989 - The town of Bermuda Run is incorporated.
  • 2002 - The Davie County Economic Development Commission is established to promote and attract businesses to the area.