Statesville, North Carolina

Statesville is a city in and the county seat of Iredell County, North Carolina, United States, and it is part of the Charlotte metropolitan area.[4] Statesville was established in 1789 by an act of the North Carolina Legislature.[5] The population was 28,419 at the time of the 2020 census.

Not to be confused with Statesville, Tennessee or Stateville Correctional Center.

Statesville, North Carolina
City
Statesville City Hall Building, built c. 1890–92
Statesville City Hall Building, built c. 1890–92
Official seal of Statesville, North Carolina
Seal
Official logo of Statesville, North Carolina
Logo
Location of Statesville, North Carolina
Location of Statesville, North Carolina
Coordinates: 35°47′03″N 80°52′18″W
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
CountyIredell
Government
 • MayorCosti Kutteh
Area
[1]
 • Total25.44 sq mi (65.88 km2)
 • Land25.32 sq mi (65.59 km2)
 • Water0.11 sq mi (0.29 km2)
Elevation
[2]
850 ft (260 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total28,419
 • Density1,122.17/sq mi (433.28/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes
28625, 28677, 28687
Area code(s)704, 980
FIPS code37-64740[3]
GNIS feature ID2405526[2]
Websitewww.statesvillenc.net

History

In 1753, Scots-Irish Presbyterians and German Lutherans, who had originally settled in Pennsylvania, began arriving in what would become Statesville in 1789[5] to plant crops in the fertile soil where game and water were also plentiful. The settlement, known as Fourth Creek Congregation, was named for the freshwater stream running to the north of the present-day city center, the fourth creek west of the neighboring settlement of Salisbury. The center of the settlement was a log cabin where the Presbyterians worshiped and where the First Presbyterian Church is located today.

U.S. Court House and Post Office in 1900
Madison building in Statesville Commercial Historic District (1982)

In 1755, colonial governor Arthur Dobbs authorized the construction of the colony's frontier fort, which was located approximately 3 miles (5 km) due north of the Fourth Creek settlement. Built and garrisoned by North Carolina provincial soldiers, Fort Dobbs defended British North America's western frontier in the colony of North Carolina during the French and Indian War and Anglo-Cherokee War. Fort Dobbs combined the functions of a military barracks, fortification, refuge for settlers, provisioning depot and center for negotiations with Native Americans.[6]

The state legislature divided Rowan County in 1788, and the new county was named "Iredell" for James Iredell, associate justice of the first Supreme Court during the presidency of George Washington.[7][8]

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". The 1800 US Census lists the town as "States Ville", which was later combined as "Statesville". In 1800, there were 95 inhabitants in "States Ville", including 68 free white persons and 27 slaves.[9]

As early as 1833, Statesville's leaders began laying track for railroads to connect the Piedmont area of North Carolina with the rest of the country.[5]

By 1858, Statesville was growing rapidly and soon afterward began leading the state in the production of tobacco and tobacco products, the manufacture and blending of whiskey, and became a large distribution center for roots and herbs.[5]

On August 27, 1891, a passenger train derailed on the Bostian Bridge,[10] a 300-foot-long (91 m) bridge, and seven cars fell down. About 30 people died in the accident.[11]

Geography

Statesville is in central Iredell County, in the western part of the Piedmont region of North Carolina.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Statesville has a total area of 24.4 square miles (63.1 km2), of which 24.2 square miles (62.8 km2) are land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km2), or 0.48%, are water.[12] The north side of Statesville is drained by Fourth Creek, while the south side is drained by Third Creek. Both creeks flow east, joining just before reaching the South Yadkin River near Cooleemee.

Climate

Statesville has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) like most of the state of North Carolina, although its higher elevation leads to cooler temperatures than much of the Piedmont. Summers are generally hot and humid, with mild nights, while winters are usually cool with chilly nights and sporadic snowfall. Severe thunderstorms can be an issue during summer, with wind speeds of 60 mph and even gusts of 95 mph being recorded during these storms.[13]

Climate data for Statesville
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 81
(27)		 83
(28)		 93
(34)		 95
(35)		 99
(37)		 105
(41)		 105
(41)		 106
(41)		 104
(40)		 96
(36)		 85
(29)		 80
(27)		 106
(41)
Average high °F (°C) 48.8
(9.3)		 52.9
(11.6)		 60.5
(15.8)		 70.1
(21.2)		 77.4
(25.2)		 84.1
(28.9)		 87.3
(30.7)		 85.5
(29.7)		 79.7
(26.5)		 70.8
(21.6)		 60
(16)		 51.6
(10.9)		 69.1
(20.6)
Daily mean °F (°C) 37.6
(3.1)		 40.6
(4.8)		 47.6
(8.7)		 56.9
(13.8)		 65.5
(18.6)		 73.3
(22.9)		 77.0
(25.0)		 75.4
(24.1)		 69.2
(20.7)		 56.3
(13.5)		 47.1
(8.4)		 37.9
(3.3)		 57.0
(13.9)
Average low °F (°C) 26.4
(−3.1)		 28.4
(−2.0)		 34.7
(1.5)		 43.7
(6.5)		 53.6
(12.0)		 62.5
(16.9)		 66.8
(19.3)		 65.2
(18.4)		 58.8
(14.9)		 45.8
(7.7)		 34.3
(1.3)		 28.9
(−1.7)		 45.8
(7.6)
Record low °F (°C) −8
(−22)		 −7
(−22)		 5
(−15)		 17
(−8)		 28
(−2)		 36
(2)		 44
(7)		 44
(7)		 30
(−1)		 16
(−9)		 6
(−14)		 −3
(−19)		 −8
(−22)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.71
(94)		 3.18
(81)		 3.99
(101)		 4.05
(103)		 3.70
(94)		 4.27
(108)		 4.42
(112)		 4.91
(125)		 3.87
(98)		 3.23
(82)		 3.38
(86)		 3.94
(100)		 46.65
(1,184)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 2.4
(6.1)		 0.8
(2.0)		 0.4
(1.0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 1.3
(3.3)		 4.9
(12.4)
Source: NOAA [14]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
180095—
1850215—
186032048.8%
1870683113.4%
18801,06255.5%
18902,318118.3%
19003,14135.5%
19104,59946.4%
19207,89571.7%
193010,49032.9%
194011,4409.1%
195016,90147.7%
196019,84417.4%
197020,0070.8%
198018,622−6.9%
199017,567−5.7%
200023,32032.7%
201024,5325.2%
202028,41915.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[15]

2020 census
Statesville racial composition[16]
Race Number Percentage
White (non-Hispanic) 14,154 49.8%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 9,054 31.86%
Native American 56 0.2%
Asian 545 1.92%
Other/Mixed 1,301 4.58%
Hispanic or Latino 3,309 11.64%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 28,419 people, 10,628 households, and 6,536 families residing in the city.

2010 census

As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 24,633 people, 9,338 households, and 5,957 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,195.8 inhabitants per square mile (461.7/km2). There were 10,041 housing units at an average density of 489.1 per square mile (188.8/km2). The racial composition of the city was: 59.94% White, 31.87% Black or African American, 7.11% Hispanic or Latino American, 2.71% Asian American, 0.18% Native American, 0.02% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 3.84% some other races, and 1.42% two or more races.

There were 9,338 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 17.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.99.[3]

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.4% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.0 males.[3]

The median income for a household in the city was $31,925, and the median income for a family was $41,694. Males had a median income of $31,255 versus $22,490 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,328. About 12.7% of families and 16.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.7% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.[3]

Arts and culture

Historic sites

Museums

The Governor Zebulon Vance House and Museum is operated by the United Daughters of the Confederacy; Vance lived in the house at the end of the U.S. Civil War. Other museums include Iredell Museums,[20] Heritage Museum, and The Children's Museum.

Sports

Statesville was home to a minor league baseball teams of various names, mainly the Statesville Owls, from 1939 until 1969. They played in several leagues over the years including the Tar Heel League (1939–1940), North Carolina State League (1942, 1947–1952), Western Carolina League (1960–1962), and Western Carolinas League (1963–1969). They were league champions in their respective league in 1940, 1948, and 1962. The field was located at Statesville Senior High School and thus named Senior High Stadium.[21]

Education

The city is part of the Iredell–Statesville School District. Schools within the city limits include East Iredell Elementary, N.B. Mills Elementary, Northview School, Pressly Elementary, and Statesville Middle School, and Statesville High School. Schools serving Statesville residents but located outside the city limits include Cloverleaf Elementary School, East Iredell Middle School, and Third Creek Elementary School.[22]

Wayside Elementary School was an elementary school located off Salisbury Road in eastern Statesville. The current school building opened in 1941 and closed in 2002 when Wayside School and Alan D. Rutherford School merged to form Third Creek Elementary. The former Wayside building is currently home to the UAW 3520 headquarters, while the former Alan D. Rutherford site is home to the Iredell-Statesville Schools Administrative Annex, now known as the Alan D. Rutherford Education Building.

Statesville Christian School is a non-denominational K4–12 private school serving the greater Statesville area.[23]

Mitchell Community College, founded as a Presbyterian women's college in 1852, is now a public community college. In the 2008–2009 academic year, it became the first community college in the United States to be accepted into NASA's University Student Launch Initiative competition.[24]

Media

Print

Radio
  • WAME, "Real Country 550 & 92.9" is an AM/FM station at 550 kHz and 92.9 mHz that plays classic country music.[26]
  • WSIC, 1400 AM & 100.7 FM, has a news-talk format.[27]

In addition, the signals of many stations from the Charlotte area and Piedmont Triad region reach Statesville.

Infrastructure

Highways

Interstate 40 and Interstate 77 intersect in the northeastern part of the city, and US 21, US 64, and US 70 run through the center of Statesville.

Notable people

References
  1. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  2. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Statesville, North Carolina
  3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  5. Keever, Homer M.; Iredell Piedmont County, with illustrations by Louise Gilbert and maps by Mild red Jenkins Miller, published for the Iredell County Bicentennial Commission by Brady Printing Company from type set by the Statesville Record and Landmark, copyright, November 1976
  6. "Grand Opening of Fort Dobbs". fortdobbs.org. Archived from the original on September 24, 2019. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  7. John L. Cheney, Jr., ed. (1975). North Carolina Government, 1585-1974, A Narrative and Statistical History.
  8. Lewis, J.D. "North Carolina General Assemblies, 1800s". Carolana.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  9. "United States Census, 1800," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHR8-5KZ : accessed 19 December 2018), States Ville, Iredell, North Carolina, United States; citing p. 675, NARA microfilm publication M32, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 29; FHL microfilm 337,905.
  10. Moose, Bill. "Bostian Bridge Train Wreck | NCpedia". www.ncpedia.org. Encyclopedia of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Press. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  11. Gast, Phil (August 28, 2010). "'Ghost train' hunter killed by train in North Carolina". CNN. Archived from the original on August 29, 2010. Retrieved August 29, 2010.
  12. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Statesville city, North Carolina". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  13. "Trees down, storm damage in Statesville after severe weather". wcnc.com. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
  14. "Statesville Climate Info". NOAA. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  15. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  16. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  17. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  18. "STATESVILLE SYNAGOGUE LEARNS IT'S ONE OF THE OLDEST IN THE NATION". Charlotte Observer. January 19, 1997.
  19. "North Carolina Highway marker 46, Fourth Creek Congregation". Archived from the original on February 7, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  20. "Iredell County Museums". iredellmuseums.org. Archived from the original on July 13, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  21. "Scraps from Statesville, Part 2". futureangles.mlbogs.com.
  22. "Schools". Iredell–Statesville School District. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  23. "Statesville Christian School" (PDF). statesvillechristian.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 12, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  24. Powell, William S. (1970). Higher Education in North Carolina. Raleigh: State Department of Archives and History. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  25. "Statesville Record & Landmark home page". statesville.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  26. "RealCountry929". realcountry929.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  27. "WSICfm". WSICfm.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  28. "Breon Borders". Duke Athletics. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  29. The Infestation: The "Fallen Angel" Chris Cole. Bleacher Report. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  30. Barry Moore Stats. Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  31. Graham, Nicholas (2012). "William S. Powell". ncpedia.org. Archived from the original on May 11, 2019. Retrieved August 23, 2013., updated 2015 by Government & Heritage Library staff
  32. William Sharpe - NC Highway Historical Marker Program. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  33. "Monday Mansions: NASCAR driver Mike Skinner's home!". WXII-TV. August 4, 2013. Archived from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
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