DID YOU KNOW Fun Facts About Waxhaw and Surrounding Areas
JOHN LAWSON John was a young Englishman who was commissioned to travel the Carolinas backcountry. The trip took nearly two months and crossed over 500 miles. In December, 1700, Mr. Lawson started his hike on Pamlico Sound with several colonist friends. He wrote vivid descriptions about the land he crossed and the people he met in his journals, including information about the Waxhaw area.
GOLD MINES There have been 40 gold mines in Union County since it was formed in 1842. In the early years, area farm laborers and tenant farmers would work in the mines during the farming off-season. Howie Gold Mine in Waxhaw started in the 1840’s. There are several shafts with depths up to 400 feet. It’s known as one of the states largest and most productive mines until it closed in 1942. At its apex, the mine employed about 100 men. 34
Waxhaw • North Carolina
WILLIAM RICHARDSON DAVIE
JOHN LAFAYETTE RODMAN
RODMAN-HEATH COTTON MILL
Mr. Davie was born in England, but immigrated to the American colonies in 1763 when his father brought him to the Waxhaw region. He was a military officer who led an attack against the British during the Revolutionary War. Davie later became the 10th Governor of NC, as well as one of the founders of the University of North Carolina. He is buried at the Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Church.
Born in 1850, Mr. Rodman became one of Waxhaws most prominent, influential, and wealthiest residents. He was a local farmer, businessman and banker who was very well-liked and respected. He helped build the Rodman-Heath Cotton Mill and Waxhaw Banking and Trust Company. John built and lived in this Victorian-style home which sits just north of the pedestrian bridge.
Built in 1898 by John Lafayette Rodman, Sr., and E.J. Heath, this mill was Waxhaw’s largest employer from 1898 to 1946. As many as 300 people were employed at one time. The property was abandonded from 1946-1960. Today, the former cotton mill has been renovated into modern residential apartments and several commercial business spaces, including a popular dining establishment.
STEPHEN “STEPH” CURRY
KRISTEN ANDERSONLOPEZ
STEVE SMITH
Steph is a three-time NBA champion and six-time NBA All-Star who once owned a home in Waxhaw. Curry purchased the 7,650 sq. ft. home in 2011. Located in a guarded community, the sprawling house includes four bedrooms, a movie theater, wine cellar, exercise room, and game room with a wet bar. In 2019, he and his wife sold the property for $1.21 Million
Kristen is known for co-writing the songs for the 2013 animated film Frozen with her husband Robert Lopez. Kristen and her husband have won Academy Awards for “Let It Go” from Frozen and “Remember Me” from Coco. She has also won two Grammy Awards. In 1990 her family moved to Waxhaw from Charlotte. Although she went to college and moved away, her parents still live here.
Steve is a former NFL wide receiver who currently lives in the Longview subdivision in Waxhaw. He played professional football for 16 seasons, primarily with the Carolina Panthers, before ending his career with the Baltimore Ravens. Smith was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and threetime All Pro. He bought the house in 2012 after his previous house sold for $1.8 Million.
