Statesville, NC

With a rich history dating back to the 1700s, Statesville, North Carolina, is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, roughly 30 miles from both Concord and Charlotte. A small city, with a total population of around 26,000 as of 2007, Statesville covers more than 20 square miles and has a low population density of about 1,200 people per square mile. Statesville has a cost of living index well below the national average, ranking at 84.8 in 2008.

Though the city's crime rate ranks well above the national average, Statesville is known for its small-town feel, active retirement population and robust community life. The area was originally settled by Scots-Irish and German immigrants in the mid-1700s, and that early Colonial history, along with the Civil War and antebellum periods, has been well-preserved in the city's five National Register of Historic Place Districts, including the Downtown Statesville Commercial District.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Statesville is home to a number of historic residential neighborhoods, including Broad Street/Davie Avenue, Mitchell College, Academy Hill and Race Street. Other prominent communities include:

• Shannon Acres, known as "the Country Club," because it was first platted in 1959 when the Statesville Country Club, which had only nine holes, was moved to its present site in east Statesville.
• Fort Dobbs and Meadow Oaks, located on Chipley Ford Road and Fort Dobbs Road near the original site of Fort Dobbs. This neighborhood is best-known for its beautiful rolling hills, open fields, rich history, and close proximity to downtown Statesville.
• Fox Den Country Club, a community complemented by the championship golf course designed by Clyde Johnston, one of America's most respected golf architects. Fox Den is close to Lake Norman, with mountains and beaches a half day away.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Statesville's economy centered around the liquor, tobacco and herbs industries during the 1800s, with the city experiencing its greatest growth from the 1860s to the 1930s, largely due to the railroad. Today, the city's economy rests primarily on the textile and furniture manufacturing industries, with the healthcare industry also employing a large percentage of the workforce.

The city has two major hospitals, Davis Regional Medical Center and Iredell Memorial Hospital, and three other hospitals and clinics are located within a 30-mile radius: Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in Mooresville, Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte and David County Hospital in Mocksville.

FOR VISITORS

• Daveste' Vineyards: Established in 2005, the Daveste' Vineyards is Iredell County's first winery, producing around 1,000 cases of wine every year. The winery features a rustic tasting room and an art gallery that showcases regional artists.
• Downtown Statesville: With a wide variety of architecture dating back to the 1700s, Downtown Statesville is a popular destination within the city, featuring specialty boutiques, cafes and restaurants, as well as the city's five historic districts. The weekly farmers' markets, held seasonally, and many of the city's events are hosted in the Historic Downtown.
• Fort Dobbs State Historic Site: Built during the French and Indian War in the mid-1700s, the Fort Dobbs State Historic Site features the original grounds of the fort, along with a variety of artifacts, exhibits and costumed reenactments.
• Governor Zebulon Vance House and Museum: Operated by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Governor Zebulon Vance House and Museum reflects Greek Revival-style architecture and is one of the city's oldest existing buildings, dating back to the early 1800s.
• Iredell Museum of Arts & Heritage and Children's Museum: Located in Downtown Statesville, the Iredell Museums house local historical artifacts, natural-science displays and visual art exhibitions. The museums also feature a living history site with walking trails.

In addition to Historic Downtown Statesville, shopping opportunities in Statesville include:

• Crossroads Shopping Center: An outdoor shopping center located south of downtown, Crossroads includes a number of popular outlets and restaurants.
• Newtone Plaza Shopping Center: Newtone has a wide variety of retail and outlet stores.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Crossroads Pumpkin Festival: Held every November, the Crossroads Pumpkin Festival features more than 80 exhibitors, live entertainment, rides and games, activities and contests, as well as a 5K charity run and a children's fair.
• Downtown Holiday Open House: A family-friendly, annual event in downtown Statesville, the Holiday Open House is held every December and features live caroling, carriage riding and ice-skating, in addition to holiday decorations, refreshments and entertainment.
• Statesville Cycling Criterion: A popular local event, the Cycling Criterion involves a festival of races for pro and amateur cyclists. The Criterion is held every August, featuring a two-hour cycling race, concessions and entertainment for children.

EDUCATION

Statesville has one two-year institution of higher education, Mitchell Community College, which grants associate degrees and enrolls more than 1,000 students annually.

LOCAL MEDIA

Statesville is served by the local daily Statesville Record & Landmark, as well as by the local talk radio station 1400 WSIC AM. The city is home to six additional AM and FM broadcast radio stations and one broadcast television station, W66BT, Channel 66. Statesville also receives broadcast television and radio stations from a number of surrounding metropolitan markets, primarily neighboring Charlotte.