The Historic Sharpe House
A Landmark of Statesville History
Step back in time to the mid-1800s and into the home of the Sharpe family. Built in 1866, the Historic Sharpe House is one of Statesville’s most significant historic homes and a rare surviving example of post–Civil War architecture in the North Carolina Piedmont. The Sharpe House offers visitors a deeper understanding of the people, stories, and traditions that shaped the region. The Sharpe House continues to serve as a place for preservation, learning, and community today.
History
The Sharpe House reflects a period of growth and change in Statesville following the Civil War. Built for the Sharpe family, its scale, design, and craftsmanship set it apart and make it a lasting link to the area’s social, cultural, and architectural history.
The Sharpe name traces back to William Sharpe (1742–1818), a Revolutionary-era leader whose work helped shape early Statesville. In the 20th century, John and Evelyn Gray carefully restored and preserved the home, helping secure its place on the National Register of Historic Places, where it continues to be protected and shared today.
The Historic Sharpe House Annual Burns Night was highlighted by Our State magazine, recognizing the site’s role in preserving cultural traditions and fostering community connection. This recognition reflects the Sharpe House’s continued relevance as a living historic place.
Learn more here
Featured in Our State Magazine
Visit the Sharpe House
Visitors are welcome to explore the Historic Sharpe House and learn more about its history and significance in Statesville.
Throughout the year, the Sharpe House hosts a variety of events and programs that bring history to life. From seasonal celebrations to lectures and cultural gatherings, events at the Sharpe House create opportunities for learning, connection, and community engagement.
Events
Preserving the Historic Sharpe House requires ongoing care and community support. Contributions help maintain the home, support educational programming, and ensure this important historic site remains accessible to future generations.
Support the Sharpe House
The Footmen of The Sharpe House Program
Cultivating Essential Skills and Service Excellence
The “Footmen of The Sharpe House” is a premier youth development program at the historic Sharpe House designed for young people aged 8 to 18, utilizing the historic estate to foster character, impart practical life skills, and instill a strong work ethic. It is an initiative that actively fulfills the mission of the Silas Alexander Sharpe Foundation, “to use the house in the service of arts and education for the benefit of Iredell County, North Carolina, and the nation in general.”
Inspired by the precision and decorum of Edwardian service, the program evolved from a modern adult serving staff into a dedicated training ground for youth. The servers transitioned from traditional khaki and polo shirts to the distinguished livery of late Victorian and Edwardian styles, complete with white tie and tails.
Program Overview
Training & Curriculum: Training is hands-on and on-the-job. New footmen and maids receive an estate tour and shadow a senior server during their initial workdays and events. The core curriculum is built around three foundational life skills:
History, Etiquette, and Proper Service: The cornerstones of the program, teaching the highest standards of decorum and hospitality.
Practical Skills: Basic housekeeping, kitchen proficiency, and even gardening and plant care.
Service Excellence: Mastery of formal service styles, including synchronized placement and removal of plated meals, proper tea service, and buffet service. Servers gain knowledge in multi-course dinner service, having served formal dinners of up to fifteen courses.
