Statesville, North Carolina

Statesville is a city in Iredell County, North Carolina, United States. Statesville was established in 1789 by an act of the North Carolina Legislature.[5] The population was recorded as 95 in the 1800 Census.[6] The population was 24,532 at the 2010 census,[7] and was estimated at 27,528 in 2019.[8] It is the county seat of Iredell County and is part of the Charlotte metropolitan area.[9]

Not to be confused with Statesville, Tennessee or Stateville Correctional Center.
Statesville, North Carolina
City
Statesville City Hall Building, built c. 1890-92
Location of Statesville, North Carolina
Coordinates: 35°47′12″N 80°52′43″W
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
CountyIredell
Government
 • MayorCosti Kutteh
Area
 • Total24.85 sq mi (64.37 km2)
 • Land24.74 sq mi (64.08 km2)
 • Water0.11 sq mi (0.28 km2)
Elevation
919 ft (280 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total24,532
 • Estimate 
(2019)[2]
27,528
 • Density1,112.60/sq mi (429.57/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 ID0995438[4]
Websitewww.statesvillenc.net

Geography

Statesville is in central Iredell County, in the western part of the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Interstate 40 and Interstate 77 intersect in the northeastern part of the city. I-40 leads northeast 41 miles (66 km) to Winston-Salem and west 30 miles (48 km) to Hickory, while I-77 leads north 55 miles (89 km) to the Virginia border and south 42 miles (68 km) to Charlotte. Three U.S. highways run through the center of Statesville. US 21 follows the same general route as I-77, leading north 38 miles (61 km) to Elkin and south 15 miles (24 km) to Mooresville. US 64 runs to the northeast close to I-40, leading 24 miles (39 km) to Mocksville, while to the northwest it leads 43 miles (69 km) to Lenoir. US 70 runs southwest out of Statesville 13 miles (21 km) to Catawba and southeast 25 miles (40 km) to Salisbury.

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.[7] 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.

History
Madison building in Statesville Commercial Historic District (1982)

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.

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.[10]

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.[11]>[12]

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.[6]

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 a 300-foot-long (91 m) bridge, and seven cars fell down. About 30 people died in the accident.[13]

Historic sites of interest
Historice Statesville U.S. Court House and Post Office in 1900

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.[20]

Record high: 106 °F - recorded on August

Record low: -8 °F - recorded on January 31st, 1966

Highest minimum: 80 °F - recorded on September 7th, 1929

Lowest Maximum: 18 °F - recorded on January 30th, 1966 & December 25th, 1983

Highest daily snowfall: 13.2 inches - recorded on December 17th, 1930

Highest snow depth: 15 inches - recorded on January 17th, 1965

Average growing season: April 16th - October 24th: 191 days

Earliest freeze: September 27th, 1961

Latest freeze: May 18th, 1973

Earliest last freeze: March 11th, 1946

Latest first freeze: November 27th, 1947

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
(9)		 52.2
(11.2)		 60.4
(15.8)		 69.6
(20.9)		 77.3
(25.2)		 84.3
(29.1)		 87.2
(30.7)		 85.5
(29.7)		 79.1
(26.2)		 70.2
(21.2)		 60.1
(15.6)		 50
(10)		 68.7
(20.4)
Daily mean °F (°C) 35.7
(2.1)		 38.9
(3.8)		 46.3
(7.9)		 55
(13)		 64.2
(17.9)		 72.2
(22.3)		 75.8
(24.3)		 74.4
(23.6)		 67.4
(19.7)		 56.8
(13.8)		 46.6
(8.1)		 37.9
(3.3)		 55.9
(13.3)
Average low °F (°C) 23.4
(−4.8)		 25.7
(−3.5)		 32.2
(0.1)		 40.5
(4.7)		 51.1
(10.6)		 60.2
(15.7)		 64.4
(18.0)		 63.3
(17.4)		 55.6
(13.1)		 43.4
(6.3)		 33
(1)		 25.8
(−3.4)		 43.2
(6.3)
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) 3.42
(87)		 3.36
(85)		 4.17
(106)		 3.57
(91)		 3.39
(86)		 4.23
(107)		 4.15
(105)		 3.82
(97)		 3.65
(93)		 3.39
(86)		 3.28
(83)		 3.64
(92)		 44.07
(1,118)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 2.6
(6.6)		 2.3
(5.8)		 1.8
(4.6)		 trace 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 trace 1.1
(2.8)		 7.8
(19.8)
Source: NOAA [21]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
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%
2019 (est.)27,528[2]12.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[22]

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 people per square mile (438.6/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]

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.[23]

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.[24]

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.[25]

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.[27]
  • WSIC, 1400 AM & 100.7 FM, has a news-talk format.[28]

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

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.[29] The field is still used (although altered over the years) by the high school's baseball team. The team, which has since returned as a summer league collegiate baseball team, still plays at Statesville Senior High. The team's inaugural season was 2010, in which it went 21-18 and lost in the first round of the playoffs. The team plays in the Southern Collegiate Baseball League.[30]

Notable people

References
  1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  2. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  4. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Archived from the original on 2012-02-26. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  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. "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.
  7. "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.
  8. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  9. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  10. "Grand Opening of Fort Dobbs". fortdobbs.org. Archived from the original on September 24, 2019. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  11. John L. Cheney, Jr., ed. (1975). North Carolina Government, 1585-1974, A Narrative and Statistical History.
  12. Lewis, J.D. "North Carolina General Assemblies, 1800s". Carolana.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  13. 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.
  14. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  15. "STATESVILLE SYNAGOGUE LEARNS IT'S ONE OF THE OLDEST IN THE NATION". Charlotte Observer. January 19, 1997.
  16. "Fort Dobbs Web Site". fortdobbs.org. Archived from the original on September 24, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  17. "North Carolina Highway marker 46, Fourth Creek Congregation". Archived from the original on February 7, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  18. "Iredell County Museums". iredellmuseums.org. Archived from the original on July 13, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  19. Laura A. W. Phillips (February 1980). "Waddle–Click Farm" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2019-05-08. Retrieved 2015-01-01.
  20. "Trees down, storm damage in Statesville after severe weather". wcnc.com. Retrieved 2020-08-17.
  21. "Statesville Climate Info". NOAA. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  22. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  23. "Schools". Iredell–Statesville School District. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  24. "Statesville Christian School" (PDF). statesvillechristian.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 12, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  25. Powell, William S. (1970). Higher Education in North Carolina. Raleigh: State Department of Archives and History. Archived from the original on 2019-12-29. Retrieved 2019-12-29.
  26. "Statesville Record & Landmark home page". statesville.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  27. "RealCountry929". realcountry929.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  28. "WSICfm". WSICfm.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  29. "Scraps from Statesville, Part 2". futureangles.mlbogs.com.
  30. "Statesville Owls". www.baseball-reference.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2018. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  31. "Breon Borders". Duke Athletics. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  32. The Infestation: The "Fallen Angel" Chris Cole. Bleacher Report. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  33. Barry Moore Stats. Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  34. Graham, Nicholas (2012). "William S. Powell". ncpedia.org. Archived from the original on 11 May 2019. Retrieved 23 August 2013., updated 2015 by Government & Heritage Library staff
  35. William Sharpe - NC Highway Historical Marker Program. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  36. "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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