402 S. Center Street
Col. SA Sharpe Home
1866
Col. Silas Alexander Sharpe owned a tannery (Tanyard) that he purchased in 1853. Construction of his home on a 13-acre estate began in 1855. To put perspective on the city size at that time, this house was not in the city limits. This home was not completed until 1866. In 1869, he became the first mayor of Statesville. In 1870, he was elected by the people. He served as mayor and postmaster for many years without pay. Other accomplishments include rebuilding the railway to Charlotte and ensuring that it did not divide the town like many neighboring cities had done, widening the streets to allow for the planting of large shade trees, and supervised construction of many downtown buildings including City Hall.
