Historic Places to Visit in Huntersville

Huntersville was established in 1873, but our history predates that. Many reminders of that past are still standing, sometimes in places you might pass without a second thought.

From Revolutionary War monuments to historic homes and buildings, these sites offer opportunities to learn more about Huntersville's past. Some welcome visitors for tours and events, while others can be appreciated from outside.

Historic Rural Hill

Explore more than 250 years of local history at Historic Rural Hill, a 265-acre working farm and historic site overlooking Mountain Island Lake. Originally settled by Major John Davidson and his wife Violet in the 1760s, the property became one of Mecklenburg County's largest plantations, supported by enslaved labor. Although the original family homes were destroyed by fires in the late 1800s, surviving structures, historic schoolhouses, and the Davidson family cemetery help tell the story of the people who lived and worked here.

Today, Rural Hill is a nature preserve that combines historic preservation with outdoor recreation, educational programs, and cultural events. Depending on the occasion, visitors may experience living history demonstrations, explore historic buildings, enjoy the natural landscape, or participate in activities such as the Amazing Maize Maze, Loch Norman Highland Games, and Sheepdog Trials.

Historic Rural Hill is located at 4431 Neck Road. Public access is currently limited to scheduled events and visits arranged in advance, so check the Rural Hill events calendar before planning a trip. Admission prices and available activities vary by event.

Hopewell Presbyterian Church

Established in 1762, Hopewell Presbyterian Church is home to one of Mecklenburg County's oldest congregations. The current brick church dates to the 1830s and was extensively remodeled in 1859, including raising the roof and enlarging the windows. The property also contains four historic cemeteries, the oldest dating to the Revolutionary War era. Among those buried here is General William Lee Davidson, who was killed at the Battle of Cowan's Ford in 1781. Richard Barry, one of the church’s founders, recovered Davidson’s body after the battle and is buried here as well. Richard Barry Memorial Park is named in his honor. 

Visitors interested in local history can explore the church's historic architecture, grounds, and cemeteries. The oldest cemetery contains distinctive above-ground stone box markers, as well as graves belonging to some of the area's earliest residents. The stone walls and pillars along Beatties Ford Road were commissioned in the 1920s by Edward Lee Baxter Davidson, who also commissioned the Cowan's Ford Monument mentioned in this article.

Hopewell Presbyterian Church is an active congregation. Sunday worship services are held at 10 am in the historic sanctuary. Visitors interested in a historical tour of the campus or History Room can arrange one by calling the church office at 704-875-2291. Visit the church's website for more information.

Hugh Torance House and Store

Step back into Huntersville's earliest days at the Hugh Torance House and Store, one of the oldest surviving buildings in Mecklenburg County. Dating to around 1779, the original one-room log home was expanded over time, and a general store opened in 1805. It is the oldest standing store in North Carolina. Today, visitors can explore the preserved building, see how people lived and conducted business more than 200 years ago, and learn about the Torance family and the enslaved people who lived and worked here.

Visitors can explore the grounds at their own pace, with informational plaques covering the property's history, ecology, and other features. Inside the small, air-conditioned house, a handful of rooms contain historic objects and displays that visitors can view but not touch. It's a relatively short visit, making it an easy stop for anyone curious about Huntersville's past.

The Hugh Torance House is open Sundays from 1–4 pm, with a guided tour at 2 pm. General admission is free, with donations encouraged. The property also hosts special events throughout the year, including ghost tours and seasonal celebrations such as the Festival of Samhain. Check their events calendar for upcoming activities and ticket information.

Cowan's Ford Battle Marker

The Battle of Cowan's Ford was fought on February 1, 1781, when American forces attempted to prevent British troops from crossing the Catawba River. American General Davidson was killed during the battle. More than 140 years later, his descendant Baxter Davidson commissioned a series of stone monuments to preserve the area's history. The Cowan's Ford Monument, built in the 1920s, commemorates the battle. Its distinctive stonework and bronze plaque include a hornet's nest, a symbol of Mecklenburg County's Revolutionary War heritage.

The Battle of Cowans Ford Historic Monument stands near the intersection of Brown Mill Road and Beatties Ford Road, just south of Highway 73. It is a brief roadside stop, with no exhibits or other attractions at the site. There is no dedicated parking, and traffic at the intersection can be busy, so visitors should use caution. Planned road widening will require relocating the legally protected monument, which is expected to be carefully dismantled and reassembled at a new location.

Old Huntersville Jail

Built around 1936, the Old Huntersville Jail is the town's oldest surviving municipal building. The small brick structure replaced an earlier jail that consisted of a single room with a locked door. Inside, two steel cells could hold up to five prisoners, although the jail often sat empty. Public drunkenness was among the most common reasons for detention, and the building even served as a polling place before closing as a jail in 1963.

Located at 301 Huntersville-Concord Road near downtown, the jail can be viewed from outside, but the interior is not regularly open to the public. The Olde Huntersville Historic Society occasionally offers opportunities to tour the building during community events such as Hello Huntersville. Follow the Olde Huntersville Historic Society on social media for announcements about future tours and open houses.  

Discover More of Huntersville's History

Some of Huntersville’s history sits right in the middle of everyday life. A bronze statue of Hall of Fame pitcher and Huntersville native Hoyt Wilhelm stands at Huntersville Athletic Park, where plenty of families walk past it on the way to a ballgame without stopping to read the plaque.

Many of these sites are cared for by volunteers and small organizations, so check their websites or social media before you visit. Thank you to the Hugh Torance House volunteers for answering my questions and the team behind the Huntersville History Museum for inspiration for this piece and protecting our history.

We’ll keep adding to this list. Know of a historic place in Huntersville we should include? Let us know.