Andrew Jackson Sculpture honoring Waxhaw as the President’s supposed birthplace.
What’s so Special about Waxhaw NC?Lots of History, a Great Small Town and Homes for Sale in Waxhaw NC
Waxhaw NC is the perfect location: a small town, yet close to busy city of Charlotte NC, with plenty of local history, as well as modern developments that make Waxhaw life enriching and enjoyable. Read more about Waxhaw’s past, present and your future here.
The Waxhaw Indians and Settlement of the Area
Originally called Wysacky, Waxhaw received its name from the Native American tribe who lived in the area long ago. The Waxhaws were actually the first to interact with Spanish explorers in 1566. At that time, Captain Juan Pardo, a Spanish conquistador searching for an ocean passage between Mexico and North America, visited the Waxhaw Indians with this crew. The records from this exploration, as well as other visits from early European explorers, noted that the Waxhaw Indians’ “flatheads.” “Flatheads” was a practice of placing a bag of sand on infants’ foreheads to obtain wider set eyes and a flatter shaped foreheads. Pardo also noted the Waxhaw’s longhouses and a large amount of game for hunting. Trading began after Pardo’s visit with the Waxhaws, and many became dependant on settler’s business.
As with many Native American tribes, the Waxhaws were decimated by diseases brought by European settlers. From 1715 to 1717, various Native American tribes waged war on British settlers in South Carolina. This war was due to traders’ abuses and the Indian slave trade. It was one of the bloodiest conflicts between settlers and American Indians in colonial history. By the end of the war, seven percent of the South Carolina settler population and the rest of the now small Waxhaw tribe were killed. What was left of the Waxhaws was absorbed into the larger Catawba tribe in NC and Seminole tribes in Northern Florida.
Settlers in Waxhaw
The town of Waxhaw was established in the mid-eighteenth century by German and Scots-Irish settlers. Many worked as sustenance farmers, which proved fruitful as Waxhaw developed as a stopping point on the busy Traders’ Path that ran between Petersburg, Virginia and Augusta, Georgia. In 1767, President Andrew Jackson was born in the Waxhaw territory, though there is still fierce debate as to whether it was in North or South Carolina. Both states stake claim to his birthplace.
In 1888, a railroad running to Atlanta was built through Waxhaw, increasing the town’s prosperity. One of Waxhaw’s most famous landmarks was built due to the railroad’s appearance in town. What is now the Waxhaw Pedestrian Bridge was created in 1888 for automobiles to cross the tracks. It was designated for foot traffic only in the 1940s, and has been renovated so today, it’s as sturdy as it was during the age of Model-T’s and steam engines.
As time went on, Waxhaw continued to grow while keeping its small town flavor. The booming textile industry brought many jobs to the Piedmont and Waxhaw residents. In 1940, the distinctive Waxhaw NC water tower was built, and remains a remembrance for Waxhaw residents who played beneath the water tower on warm summer days.
Modern Times: Downtown Shops, Homes for Sale in Waxhaw NC
Waxhaw’s downtown area offers shopping and fine dining, even though Waxhaw is a small town. Antique stores, like the Antique Clock Shop, are popular in downtown Waxhaw. You can also buy specialty products such as beads (Bead Merchants) or natural pet products (Reigning Cats and Dogs). The Waxhaw Farmer’s Market is one of the best in the Piedmont area, running from April to December. Here, local farmers sell grass fed meats, cage-free eggs, and seasonal local produce, as well as artisanal products, like soap and other home goods.
Waxhaw has continued to expand their history with memorials and registered historical landmarks. In 2004, the citizens of Waxhaw donated to and built the Waxhaw Military Wall of Honor, giving remembrance and thanks to local veterans from wars throughout time. In 2010, Waxhaw registered a section of its downtown area with the National Register of Historic Places. You can take tours of this area if you’re interested.
MillBridge: The Best Community of Homes for Sale in Waxhaw NC
The MillBridge Community House and Pool near Homes for Sale in Waxhaw NC.
As the Charlotte metro area grows, Waxhaw has become popular for families looking for great schools, well built homes and a small town community with access to big city resources. MillBridge is a growing neighborhood with homes for sale in Waxhaw NC. Homes begin in the upper $100,000 range, an extremely reasonable price. With homes from four builders, your choice is sure to be unique. At the center of MillBridge is the community house, featuring a coffee bar and the French-door-lined patio overlooking the beautiful grounds. MillBridge also has all your fitness needs, with its own hiking trails around 12 Mile Creek, a fitness center, the “airnasium” for recreational sports, and an outdoor pool with a Junior Olympic lap pool, an aquatic playground and a waterslide.
If you’re searching for homes for sale Waxhaw NC or, even near the booming city of Charlotte, consider MillBridge’s many home model options and wonderful neighborhood life. After sharing just a few details, the team at MillBridge will find the perfect home for you. Learn more about this fantastic planned community, and contact the folks at MillBridge today at http://millbridge-nc.com/.
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