Ghosts Of Davidson

Did You Know…long before Lake Norman and Lake Davidson, Davidsonians enjoyed the waters of Wiley Lake (not the same as Lake Wylie on the NC/SC border).

Construction of the lake began in the summer of 1893 spearheaded by professor Henry Louis Smith. The 14 acre lake sat to the east of the college campus. By 1895 Wiley Lake featured boats, bathhouses, a 200-foot long toboggan slide and was stocked with fish. The name “Wiley” was in honor of S.H. Wiley of Salisbury who donated $500 to fund the project.

Unfortunately by 1909, the lake was drained to start the construction of a new sewer system. Photo courtesy of Archives & Special Collections from the 1895 Quips and Cranks yearbook.

Just some light summer reading on a scorching hot day 💀What are you reading?

20% off with code “SPOOKYSUMMER”

If you haven’t taken our north side tour yet, what are you waiting for? It’s the perfect summer night for a chilling walk through Davidson’s past!

Or how about the gift of local history and terrifying tales for your favorite spooky dad? 👻

Tickets at www.ghostsofdavidson.com