Davie County History

Exploring the rich heritage of Davie County, North Carolina

Welcome to Davie County

Nestled in the rolling hills of North Carolina's Piedmont region, Davie County offers a rich tapestry of American history, from its Native American roots to its pivotal role in the state's agricultural and industrial development. Formed in 1836 from a portion of Rowan County, Davie County was named in honor of William Richardson Davie, a Revolutionary War hero, founder of the University of North Carolina, and governor of North Carolina.

Bordered by the Yadkin River to the west and anchored by its county seat of Mocksville, Davie County spans approximately 267 square miles of farmland, forests, and growing communities. Home to roughly 45,000 residents, it maintains a distinctly rural character while sitting just minutes from Winston-Salem and the broader Piedmont Triad.

Davie County was established in 1836, but its story begins centuries earlier — with the Saura people who first called this land home, and the Scots-Irish and German settlers who carved homesteads from the Piedmont wilderness in the 1700s.

Discover Our History

Every corner of Davie County holds a story. From the Civil War cavalry raids that swept through these hills to the mill whistles that once defined the rhythm of Cooleemee, this land has witnessed centuries of change and resilience.

Start with the County Overview to understand the geography and formation that shaped Davie County. Explore the Historical Events timeline for a journey through pivotal moments — from early settlement to Stoneman's Raid and beyond. Visit the Historic Sites guide to discover the courthouses, churches, cemeteries, and landmarks that still stand today.

For a deeper look, dive into the individual histories of each community. Whether it's the stately courthouse square of Mocksville, the preserved mill village of Cooleemee, or the planned golf community of Bermuda Run, every town brings its own chapter to the county's story.

Towns of Davie County

Mocksville

The county seat since 1839, Mocksville grew around its courthouse square and remains the heart of Davie County — a blend of historic charm, local commerce, and small-town pride.

Cooleemee

Born from the Cooleemee Cotton Mill in 1898, this tight-knit mill town preserves its textile heritage through museums, festivals, and one of the best-preserved mill villages in North Carolina.

Bermuda Run

Davie County's newest town — a planned residential and golf community developed in the 1960s, incorporated in 1999, and named for the lush Bermuda grass of its fairways.

Advance

A rural crossroads community in southeastern Davie County, Advance grew from a country store and railroad stop into a growing residential area with deep agricultural roots.

Farmington

The agricultural heartland of northwestern Davie County — a community defined by fertile fields, family farms, and the strong bonds of rural life that have held for generations.