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Salisbury has been the seat of Rowan County since 1753, when the county reached all the way to the Mississippi River, making it the oldest continuously settled colonial town in western North Carolina. It grew at a crossing of Native American trading paths that became the Great Wagon Road, and later prospered as a market for cotton, a railroad hub and a mill town. Its preservation record is remarkable, with ten National Register historic districts.
The past is everywhere downtown. The 1854 courthouse now houses the Rowan Museum, the Dr. Josephus Hall House recalls the town's Civil War years, when a Confederate prison stood nearby, and Salisbury National Cemetery holds thousands of Union soldiers who died there. The 1908 Salisbury Station still serves Amtrak trains, while Bell Tower Green has given downtown a lively new park.
Salisbury is also the birthplace of Cheerwine, the cherry soft drink first bottled here in 1917, and of the Food Lion grocery chain. Just north in Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum fills the old Southern Railway repair shops and roundhouse with locomotives, cars and train rides.
Set in the former Southern Railway Spencer Shops in Spencer, just north of Salisbury, this museum has a huge 37-stall roundhouse filled with locomotives, rail cars, antique autos and aircraft exhibits. Seasonal train rides circle the site. Allow at least half a day, and check the train ride schedule.
A grand 1908 Spanish Mission-style railroad depot designed by Frank Milburn, restored and still served by Amtrak trains between Charlotte and Raleigh. The station's tall waiting room is also used for events. It is a short walk from downtown and good for photos, especially of the arched facade and towers.
One of North Carolina's oldest towns, Salisbury has a large historic downtown with restored 1800s and early 1900s buildings, antique shops, galleries, restaurants and murals. Self-guided walking tour maps are available from the visitor center. Street parking is free, and Main Street is pleasant on weekend evenings.
Housed in the 1854 Rowan County courthouse, this museum covers local history from early settlers through the Civil War and the railroad era. It also manages historic houses such as the Utzman-Chambers House. Admission is low cost; check opening days, as hours are limited and some houses open by appointment.
An 1820s home with later additions that was lived in by Dr. Josephus Hall, chief surgeon of the Confederate prison in Salisbury during the Civil War. It keeps original furnishings and shaded gardens. Tours are offered by the local preservation group on set days; check ahead before you visit.
A national cemetery established on the site of the Civil War Confederate prison in Salisbury, where thousands of Union prisoners died. Long trenches mark the mass graves, with monuments from several states. It is open daily and free. Walk to the trenches area to see the most moving part of the site.
A new downtown park opened in 2021 around the historic bell tower of the former First Presbyterian Church, with gardens, a splash fountain, a stage and lawns. It hosts concerts, movies and festivals. It is free and open daily, and a pleasant place to rest after walking Main Street.
A large Rowan County park east of Salisbury with a lake and paddle boats, a small zoo with bears and other native animals, a miniature train, a carousel, a gem mine, campsites and hiking trails. It is a full day out for families. Some rides and the gem mine are seasonal, so check opening times.
A peaceful 16-acre garden park in a Salisbury residential area, with winding paths through plantings of camellias, azaleas, daffodils, magnolias and native trees, plus a creek and footbridges. It is free and open daily. Spring is the most colorful time, especially when the azaleas bloom.
A restored 1905 theater on South Main Street, home to Piedmont Players Theatre, which stages musicals, dramas and comedies throughout the year. The intimate auditorium keeps its historic look. Tickets are affordable but popular shows sell out, so buy ahead and have dinner downtown before the curtain.
A contemporary art center in a former city water works building downtown, with rotating exhibitions by regional and national artists, a sculpture garden and art classes. Admission is free. It is a short stop that fits easily into a downtown walk; check the website for current exhibits.
Cheerwine, the cherry soft drink, was created in Salisbury in 1917, and the city celebrates it with a downtown festival in spring featuring live music, local food vendors, Cheerwine treats and family activities. It draws big crowds. Check the date, as the festival is not held every year.
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North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
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