The Davidson Historic District is a fascinating part of the town's history. A line of brick commercial buildings developed along North and South Main streets, most of which are low-scale, typical of small towns in the 1910s and 1920s. However, a striking exception to this is the Helper Hotel, which was built in 1848 and designed to resemble a debating hall. If you're looking for a historic home, this is a good place to start.
Davidson has a number of historical sites, some of which were built during theonial times. The American Legion Museum, which was built in collaboration with General George Washington, offers an insight into the Civil War. The museum features the sword of Union General Gordon Meade, which he used to defeat Robert E. Lee. It also contains a number of other pieces of historic significance. Davidson's unique history makes it one of the best places to spend a day in the town.
The Davidson Historic District has a well-preserved commercial core that relates to the railroad and the Davidson College campus. The businesses in this area served the surrounding landowners, mill workers, college students, and faculty. The buildings that are located within the historic district reflect the town's past as a textile center. The town has a variety of architectural styles, including antebellum-style houses, classical-inspired houses, and a variety of academic buildings.
The town's cotton mills spurred the growth of the town, and its population reached 500 by 1910. By the 1920s, it had grown to a population of about 1,500 people. Davidson's commercial district evolved from a cluster of frame and brick stores to a row of brick buildings. Along Main Street, opposite the college, the town's commercial district contained all of the stores that a small town needs. In addition to the traditional drug store, Davidson boasted a hardware store, a tailor shop, a bank, and several restaurants.
The history of Davidson dates back to the early 1800s. The town was isolated during the period of the Civil War, but a railroad link between Charlotte and Statesville existed in 1864. The Atlantic, Tennessee and Ohio Railroad passed through Statesville. During the war, however, Confederate troops destroyed the railroad. In 1874, the railroad was reactivated, but it didn't reach beyond the state's borders. Ultimately, the railroad connected the towns of Davidson to distant markets.
The town's history is filled with interesting tales. In 1831, Davidson's first private school for black students opened on South Street. During the 1920s consolidation movement, the school was expanded by the Public Works Administration. Its neoclassical gymnasium was designed by Willard G. Rogers, and was the center of a neoclassical building. The Davidson School was built on the site of the Graded School.
The town's historic district was shaped by Davidson College. Before the Civil War, Main Street served as a hub for students. Lewis Dinkins built a brick store in the classical style and catered to students. The store was built in such a manner that intoxicating liquors were prohibited. Despite this, the store was still profitable for students. This influx of students sparked a large demand for housing and other types of commercial property.