Davidson, a town situated in the counties of Iredell and Mecklenburg in North Carolina, United States, can be found on the shores of Lake Norman. It is considered a suburban area within the larger metropolitan region of Charlotte.
Davidson College has played a significant role in shaping the history and development of the town of Davidson. Unlike other small railroad towns in the Piedmont region, Davidson had a distinct charm and character due to the presence of the college. The campus, with its beautiful architecture and shaded trees, added a unique touch to the community. Moreover, the influence of the college extended beyond the campus, affecting the town’s economy, culture, and architectural style.
Davidson can be found in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, specifically at the coordinates 35°29′28″N 80°49′58″W. It is situated in the northern part of Mecklenburg County, just north of Charlotte. A part of the town also extends into Iredell County. Lake Norman, a significant reservoir on the Catawba River, forms the western boundary of Davidson. Additionally, Lake Davidson, a runoff basin connected to Lake Norman, borders the town on its northwestern side. To the south, Davidson is bordered by the town of Cornelius.
Davidson is situated on the western side of Interstate 77, and can be accessed from Exit 30. If you head south on I-77, you will reach Charlotte after traveling for 21 miles. On the other hand, driving north on I-77 for the same distance will take you to Statesville. The main street in Davidson is North Carolina Highway 115, which serves as the town’s Main Street. If you drive north on Highway 115, you will reach Mooresville after covering a distance of 7 miles. Conversely, heading south on Highway 115 will take you to Huntersville, which is 6 miles away from Davidson.
The town had a population of 15,106 individuals, with 4,336 households and 3,011 families, according to the 2020 United States census.
Residents living in Davidson are enrolled in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The local school for students in kindergarten through 8th grade is Davidson School. High school students from Davidson attend William A. Hough High School located in Cornelius.
Located in the center of Davidson is Davidson College, a prestigious liberal arts college that is renowned for its selectivity. Situated on Main Street, the college has consistently been ranked as one of the top ten liberal arts colleges in the nation. Notably, it has proudly produced 23 Rhodes scholars throughout its history. Among the esteemed individuals associated with the college are Woodrow Wilson, who served as the 28th President of the United States, George Osborne, the former British Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the current NBA player Stephen Curry.
A branch of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County is available in Davidson, situated on the Green.
Famous Individuals
Elizabeth Bradford is an artist, John Candelaria used to be a pitcher in Major League Baseball, Steph Curry plays in the NBA, William Lee Davidson was an officer in the North Carolina militia and Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and is also the namesake of the town, Will Grier is an NFL quarterback, Alan Gustafson is a NASCAR crew chief, Matt Kunitz created the popular reality TV show “Wipeout”, Gene McEver is a player and coach in American football, and Josef Newgarden is a driver in IndyCar.