Honeycutt Landscaping, Inc Services in Weddington, NC

They say Home is where the heart is, and that’s why Weddington, NC has been a cherished home for many over the years.

Located in the northwest corner of Union County, NC, the Town of Weddington has a history that traces back to 1842 when the General Assembly of North Carolina carved it out of Mecklenburg and Anson counties. Weddington proudly belongs to the Sandy Ridge Township, rooted in the old militia districts predating 1869. If you consult an atlas or your trusty GPS, you’ll spot the town center at the crossroads of NC 16 (Providence Road) and NC 84.

Weddington’s slice of Union County has always been renowned for its rich farmland, dating back to colonial times. Long before the arrival of settlers from Germany, England, Wales, and Scotland, the Waxhaw Indians thrived in this fertile land. The roots of our community stretch back to the post-American Revolution era, with Reuben Boswell, a veteran of the War for Independence, playing a pivotal role in settling this area.

Born in 1755 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, Reuben Boswell, a veteran of the Revolutionary War, later relocated to Mecklenburg County, NC. In 1824, he made a significant contribution by donating four acres of land for the Sandy Ridge Methodist Episcopal Church, a gesture that set the foundation for the town’s future. Local farmers, numbering 22, pitched in $262.00 to build the new house of worship.

This church’s establishment played a crucial role in shaping the town we now recognize. As time unfolded, Reuben Boswell’s daughter tied the knot with a man named Weddington, and in 1826, their grandson, Reuben B. Weddington, was born. Over the next six decades, Reuben B. Weddington thrived, lived, and contributed to the prosperity of the area.

As the decades went on, Union County, NC played its part in shaping the history of our nation. The county contributed troops for the Mexican American War in 1846 and an even larger contingents—twelve companies in total—for the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865. The post-war reconstruction period brought economic challenges to Union County, marked by reduced markets for locally grown cotton. However, a brighter future emerged with the completion of the Carolina Central Railway in 1874.

By 1890, Reuben B. Weddington had become a respected figure in the area. He played a pivotal role in constructing a new church building on the land his grandfather had donated years earlier. Reuben B. Weddington’s substantial financial contributions to the church and the affiliated school prompted a name change from Sandy Ridge Methodist Episcopal Church to Weddington Methodist Church. The growing community surrounding this place of worship officially adopted the name Weddington, putting it on the map for the first time.

As the 20th century unfolded, the Town of Weddington continued its growth. The educational landscape was marked by the presence of Weddington Academy, initially teaching grades 1 through 11. By 1918, it had evolved into the Weddington Industrial Institute. However, the school faced challenges when it succumbed to fire in 1925. Despite being rebuilt, it faced another blaze in 1934. Undeterred, the resilient institution was reconstructed once more.

Weddington School continued until 1975 when declining enrollment led to its closure. At that time, approximately 67 students attended, spread across six grades in three classrooms with three teachers. Following the closure, Weddington students were redirected to Wesley Chapel and later to Sun Valley High School until 1996. This marked the year when the present Weddington Elementary emerged, serving as the first installment in a three-school complex on Deal Road.

From the war to end war, through the Roaring Twenties, The Great Depression, Pearl Harbor, the rise of rock and roll, the tumultuous 1960s, the moon landing, and the Bicentennial, much of North Carolina, including our corner of Union County, retained its predominantly agricultural character. Family farms, winding two-lane roads, and a considerable journey to Charlotte, NC was the standard.

However, as the 1970s unfolded and Charlotte experienced significant growth, the rural landscape underwent a transformation. The once expansive farmlands started yielding to emerging subdivisions, and those peaceful two-lane farm-to-market roads began bustling with increased traffic. The sounds of farming equipment and tractors gradually gave way to the hum of SUVs and the sleek presence of BMWs. The changing times reflected not only a shift in transportation but also a broader transformation in the very fabric of the community.

As growth swept through Weddington, NC a distinctive spirit prevailed. Residents cherished their rural ambiance and the genuine, down-home feeling of the community. Recognizing the need to preserve what made Weddington special, especially with the specter of potential annexation by Charlotte, residents took a proactive stance. They petitioned the NC General Assembly, seeking official incorporation.

In response, NC House Representative Joe Hudson, a proud Weddington native, introduced House Bill 597, titled “AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE TOWN OF WEDDINGTON IN UNION COUNTY.” The town charter defined the original boundaries and appointed Mark Teal as the inaugural Mayor, alongside four council members. The act came into effect on May 2, 1983, upon ratification, ensuring Weddington’s autonomy and safeguarding its unique character for future generations.

Since 1983, Weddington has undergone significant changes, but a steadfast commitment stands: to preserve the spirit and character that make Weddington special, both for current residents and those who will follow in our footsteps. I’m confident that if Reuben Boswell and his grandson could see Weddington today, they would feel a sense of pride in the town’s evolution and its continued dedication to maintaining its unique essence.