About
Discover the History of Waxhaw
Discover Waxhaw’s historic sites and their stories through our QR code project. Scan the codes to learn about the people, events, and places that shaped the town, making history easy to explore and enjoy.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to preserve and share the rich history of Waxhaw in a way that is engaging, accessible, and sustainable. By creating a digital database of historic landmarks and pairing it with QR codes, we make it easy for residents and visitors to explore the town’s stories while reducing the need for printed brochures and other paper materials. Through this project, we aim to protect Waxhaw’s heritage, promote environmental responsibility, and provide a meaningful, interactive experience that connects people with the past and inspires a deeper appreciation for the town’s unique history.
Waxhaw Landmarks
Discover Waxhaw’s historic sites and their stories through our QR code project. Scan the codes to learn about the people, events, and places that shaped the town, making history easy to explore and enjoy.
The Waxhaw Water Tank
Located mid-block on McDonald Street, the Waxhaw Water Tank is a distinctive and enduring landmark. It was constructed to meet the needs of a growing community, providing essential water services for both residential use and fire protection. Although it has since been decommissioned from active service, the tank remains a recognizable feature of the downtown area. Its preservation ensures that it continues to stand as a testament to the town’s early infrastructure development and is a visible part of Waxhaw’s identity.
Location: Mid-block on McDonald Street, between North Church and North Broome Streets
Fun Fact #1
Built in 1941: Constructed during a period of town growth, the tank was a vital component of Waxhaw’s infrastructure.
Fun Fact #2
Holds about 49,000 gallons: With a capacity of nearly 50,000 gallons, the tank was crucial for providing water to residents and for fire protection.
Fun Fact #3
Designated a local historic landmark on June 13, 2017: The tank was officially recognized for its historical significance and preserved as a key part of the town’s heritage.
The Overhead Bridge
The Overhead Bridge, which crosses over the railroad tracks near South Main Street, has a long history that reflects the town’s evolution. Originally built as a means for traffic to safely traverse the busy railway, it was later dedicated exclusively for pedestrian use. The bridge has been significantly restored and now features a design that honors its past while providing a safe and accessible passage. It remains a popular community space, a gathering point for locals and visitors alike, who enjoy the unique view it offers of the downtown area and passing trains.
Fun Fact #1
Built around 1888 for vehicle use: The bridge was originally designed and built to allow horse-drawn wagons and early automobiles to safely cross the railroad tracks.
Fun Fact #2
Converted to a pedestrian bridge around 1950: Due to evolving safety standards, the bridge was repurposed as a walkway for people, becoming a key pedestrian crossing in the town.
Fun Fact #3
Rebuilt in 2008 in partnership with CSX and the Town of Waxhaw: A major restoration project ensured the bridge’s longevity, maintaining its historic character for future generations.
Waxhaw Woman’s Club (Former Belk Store)
This historic building, situated at 200 East South Main Street, has played a significant role in the town’s history. It was one of the first locations for a major regional department store, serving as a hub for local commerce for many years. The building was later given to the Waxhaw Woman’s Club, a group that has long contributed to the community. The club has since worked to restore and maintain the building’s historic charm, and today it serves as a dynamic community space, hosting numerous events, meetings, and activities that enrich the town’s social life.
Fun Fact #1
Built in the late 1800s as a Belk department store: The building’s origins trace back to its time as one of the first department stores in the region, serving as a hub for local commerce.
Fun Fact #2
Donated to the Waxhaw Woman’s Club in 1971: The building was gifted to the club, which has since served as its dedicated steward and caretaker.
Fun Fact #3
Designated a local historic landmark on October 6, 1987: The building was officially recognized for its historical importance to the community and its architectural significance.
A.W. Heath Company Complex (Stores I & II)
The A.W. Heath Company Complex, comprising two connected storefronts on West South Main Street, is a cornerstone of the historic downtown district. These buildings once housed one of Waxhaw’s most important businesses, which provided the community with a wide variety of goods, from essential groceries and dry goods to furniture and hardware. The structures are architecturally significant and serve as a physical link to the town’s commercial past. They continue to be an integral part of the downtown streetscape, representing a significant chapter in Waxhaw’s development.
Fun Fact #1
Store I built around 1898: The first of the two connected storefronts, Store I was a central feature of the town’s growing commercial district.
Store II added around 1903: A second building was constructed and connected to the first, creating a larger commercial complex to serve the community.
Fun Fact #2
A.W. Heath Company operated here from 1903 to 1966: For over six decades, the company conducted its business from this location, becoming a cornerstone of the local economy.
Fun Fact #3
The A.W. Heath Company Complex: Store #1 (now the Antique Mart) is built in the Romanesque Revival style, featuring decorative brickwork and arched windows. Store #2 is a one-story commercial building typical of turn-of-the-century retail structures, consisting of four storefronts.
A.W. Heath Company Mill
The A.W. Heath Company Mill is a well-preserved two-story building located on South Church Street. The mill was a key element of Waxhaw’s agricultural economy, supporting local farmers by grinding corn and wheat. Though it has not operated as a mill for decades, the structure with its stone foundation still stands as a powerful symbol of the town’s industrial heritage. Today, it houses the Waxhaw Tack Exchange, giving the historic building new life while still allowing visitors to connect with the town’s past as a vital center for trade and agriculture.
Fun Fact #1
Built around 1905: The mill was constructed early in the 20th century, a time of significant growth for Waxhaw.
Fun Fact #2
Operated as a grist mill for corn and wheat: The mill played a vital role in the town’s agricultural economy, grinding grains for local farmers.
Fun Fact #3
Closed in the 1930s: Following the Great Depression, the mill ceased operations, marking the end of its role as a key agricultural facility.
Later used for storage: After its closing, the building was repurposed for storage, preserving its structure for future generations.
Project Description
This project started as an Eagle Scout Service Project by Life Scout Rayan Tahira from Waxhaw Troop 53. The goal is simple, share Waxhaw’s history in a way that’s both engaging and environmentally friendly. We’ve built a digital database of historic landmarks and placed weather-resistant QR code stickers at each site. When you scan a code, you can instantly read about the landmark, see photos, and discover the stories that shaped our town.
By moving this information online instead of printing brochures, we’re helping reduce paper waste and do our part for the environment. At the same time, we’re making sure Waxhaw’s history is preserved and easy to access for years to come. It’s a project that brings the past and present together, keeping our heritage alive while protecting the world around us.
Meet the Team
Pradip Thakkar
Website development and research team member, contributing to the creation of the online platform and compiling details about Waxhaw’s landmarks.
Ananya Dantala
Website development and research team member, helping build the online platform while gathering accurate historical information for the digital database.
Zayan Tahira
Website development team member, building and refining the online platform that connects visitors to Waxhaw’s history.
Poorvi Kasrala
Design team member, creating visual elements and layouts to make the project engaging and easy to navigate.
Sahasra Muchulapari
Research team member, focused on sourcing and compiling information about Waxhaw’s landmarks for the project.
Sofia Joseph
Research team member, helping gather accurate historical information and verify details for the digital database.
Rayan Tahira
Life Scout with Waxhaw Troop 53 and project lead. Rayan is supervising the entire project as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project, guiding the team from planning to completion.
