Welcome to the Davidson Historical Society

The DHS promotes an understanding and appreciation of the history of Davidson, North Carolina and its surrounding area.

The town of Davidson was founded with the establishment of Davidson College in 1837. In 1835, when the Concord Presbytery sought a site for a Presbyterian men’s college, churchman and planter William Lee Davidson II sold them 469 acres on a high and healthy ridge between the Catawba and Yadkin rivers. The college was named for his father, General William Lee Davidson who was killed fighting the British at the Battle of Cowan’s Ford in 1781.

Click here for a timeline of town history.

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2012 Annual Holiday Ornament

Thanks to everyone who purchased our 2012 annual pewter holiday ornament commemorating the 175th anniversary of Davidson. We have almost sold out completely, with only about one dozen remaining!

If you missed out, the 2012 ornament is still available for purchase as part a set of 5, which also includes our 2008 (Beaver Dam), 2009 (Helper Hotel), 2010 (SPC Transformer House) and 2011 (Eumenean Hall) ornaments. Sets are $45 each and are available at Main Street Books.

 

Click here for more about One Town, Many Voices: A History of Davidson, North Carolina

Photos courtesy of Davidson College Archives