Historic Attractions
Experience Salisbury-Rowan County, NC History
Experience authentic North Carolina heritage in many unique ways while savoring the charm and character of an area rich with centuries of history, adventure and discovery. History buffs are drawn to Salisbury-Rowan County, NC for its rich background with treasurers spanning over two centuries of history. From the early days of Daniel Boone and Andrew Jackson, through the involvement of NC in the Civil War and General Stoneman’s raid into the golden age of rail transportation there is something to interest everyone.
Check out our Salisbury-Rowan County, North Carolina calendar of events to find historical happenings scheduled during your visit!
African American Heritage Trail
Address: The Gateway Building 204 E. Innes, Salisbury, NC 28144
Phone: 704-638-3100
Toll-Free: 800-332-2343
Description: This self-guided tour chronicles the historic moments, great leaders and lives of generations of African-Americans who lived, worked and contributed to the industrial, artistic, cultural and spiritual life of the Salisbury community.
Amtrak Station - Salisbury
Address: Corner of Depot and Liberty Streets, Salisbury, NC 28144
Phone: 704-638-4281
Toll-Free: 800-872-7245
Description:
Attendant is on duty daily at this historically renovated station to answer passenger questions beginning one hour before each train arrives, until 30 minutes after each train departs. "Quit Trak" available to purchase tickets by credit card when window is not open. Ticket reservation phone available, free parking, no checked baggage, no ticket window sales. Daily trains include: 73, 74, 75, 76 (Raleigh to Charlotte) 79, 80 (New York to Charlotte) and 19, 20 (New Orleans to New York).
Crossroads: Past Into Present
Address: 1st block West Fisher Street, Salisbury, NC 28144
Phone: 704-633-5946
Description:
One of Salisbury and Rowan County's most famous attactions. This mural painted by Salisbury native, Cynvia Arthur Rankin features an authentic look at the turn-of-the-century downtown Salisbury. There are over 100 local citizens dressed in period costumes represented in the mural. The mural has appeared nationally on NBC and has been featured numerous times in area newspapers, national publications, magazines and brochures.
Dr. Josephus Hall House
Address: 226 S. Jackson Street, Salisbury, NC 28144
Phone: 704-636-0103
Description:
This impressive house museum was once home to Dr. Josephus Hall, Chief Surgeon at the Salisbury Confederate Prison during the Civil War. Built in 1820 in the Federal style, additions in 1859 and in 1900 have given the house Greek Revival and Victorian features. The interior boasts painted ceilings, original fixtures, and an impressive collection of mid-Victorian furnishings and decorative accessories belonging to the Hall family. Docents in period costume conduct guided tours.
Beginning March 2, 2013, the public will learn more about the roles it and Dr. Hall played in the Salisbury Confederate Prison. A new exhibit, “Captive in a Foreign Land: Life and Death in a Civil War Prison Camp” explores the conditions inside one of ten prisoner of war camps used by the South. Using artifacts and images, tour guides will lead guest through this 1820 Federal style house and offer an understanding of conditions witnessed by both the prisoners and Dr. Hall on a daily basis. Hours: Saturdays and Sundays 1pm until 4pm. Group tours can be scheduled during the week by appointment.
Edith M. Clark History/Genealogy Room-Rowan Public Library
Address: 201 W. Fisher Street, Salisbury, NC 28144
Phone: 704-216-8232
Fax: 704-638-3013
Description:
The Edith M. Clark History Room of the Rowan Public Library is a valuable resource for family historians whose ancestors came from the Southern and Middle Atlantic colonies. The collection focuses on all of North Carolina with significant holdings from bordering states and those showing heavy migration in and out of the Piedmont. Resources are also available for those interested in local history. Hours are as follows: Monday through Wednesday 9 am - 9 pm, Thursday 9 am - 6 pm, Friday and Saturday 9 am - 5 pm. No Sunday hours. On Saturday only the History Room closes for lunch from 12:30pm-1:00pm.
Historic Downtown Salisbury
Address: Corner of N. Main and E. Liberty Streets, Salisbury, NC 28145
Phone: 704-638-3100
Description: The 30-square-block area which includes the Dr. Josephus Hall House, built in 1820 as the Salisbury Female Academy, and the Utzman-Chambers House, an 1819 Federal townhouse. A guided audio walking tour is available for rent at the Rowan County Convention & Visitors Bureau that covers this historic district and much of the downtown area.
Historic National Cemetery and Confederate Prison Site
Address: 202 Government Road, Salisbury, NC 28144
Phone: 704-638-3100
Toll-Free: 800-332-2343
Fax: 704-642-2011
Description: Dedicated in 1874, this is the final resting place for veterans of all wars. Buried in 18 trench graves are 11,700 Union soldiers who died at the Salisbury Confederate Prison during the Civil War. Including Medal of Honor recipient, Lorenzo Deming who served on the U.S. Picket Boat No. 1, incarcerated at the Prison at the age of 20. Deming's family was presented the Medal of Honor after his death in 1865 by President Andrew Johnson
Office open 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday. Grounds are never closed. This self-guided driving tour is a must for Civil War buffs. Although nothing remains of the Salisbury Prison, the tour poignantly provides insights into this period of our history. Three monuments erected by the State of Maine, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Government stand in the Salisbury National Cemetery as a tribute to the Union soldiers who died while at the prison. CDs of the driving tour are available at a charge of $5 at the Visitor Information Center in the Gateway Building located at 204 E. Innes Street
Historic Rockwell Museum
Address: 102 East Main Street, Rockwell, NC 28138
Phone: 704-279-5783
Description: Historic Rockwell Museum displays a representation of late 19th and early 20th century area artifacts. New exhibits are displayed each spring and fall with a festival of trees at Christmas time.
Historic Salisbury Foundation
Address: 215 Depot Street, Salisbury, NC 28144
Phone: 704-636-0103
Description: Historic Salisbury Foundation, Inc. is a private nonprofit preservation organization that offers a broad range of services to the Salisbury community. Founded in 1972, the Foundation is in its fourth decade of active participation in planning for the future of Salisbury's special past. The Foundation sponsors the Josephus Hall House Museum, OctoberTour of Homes and several other yearly events. The Foundation is housed in the beautiful Salisbury Station at 215 Depot Street. The Salisbury Station is available for your special event or meeting and information on rental can be found on the Historic Salisbury Foundation website.
Historic Salisbury Trolley Tours
Address: 204 E Innes Street, Suite 120, Salisbury, NC 28144
Phone: 704-638-3100
Toll-Free: 800-332-2343
Fax: 704-642-2011
Description: What better way to experience 250 years of Salisbury heritage and the continuum of architectural styles in our historic districts than on a Trolley tour? Tours are available on Saturdays at 11 am April through October. These narrated tours feature experienced guides who will give you an "up close and personal" glimpse into Salisbury's preservation efforts and the famous and infamous personalities that make Salisbury "where the past is still present." Call for ticket information. Rowan County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 204 E Innes St., Salisbury.